PA Primary Preview: Republicans for Attorney General

In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the contenders for the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Attorney General

Pennsylvania’s attorney general oversees hundreds of employees divided among criminal, civil, and public protection divisions.

The Commonwealth Attorneys Act prescribes the office’s primary duties, which include prosecuting crimes ranging from drug trafficking to public corruption, directing statewide grand juries, defending state laws, and representing Pennsylvania if the state is audited or prosecuted federally.

The official mission of the office is to protect “life, property, and constitutional and consumer rights, so as to ensure safety and freedom for those living in and visiting the Commonwealth.”

The attorney general also sits on the Board of Pardons and appoints the state’s consumer advocate.

REPUBLICANS

David Sunday (R) vs. Craig Williams (R)

A pair of candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. The position has been viewed recently as a stepping stone to the Governor’s mansion, as both Josh Shapiro and Tom Corbett served as AG prior.

• Watch WHTM-TV Republican Debate (March 14)
• Watch Pennsylvania Leadership Conference Forum (April 6)

Dave Sunday

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Spring Garden Township, York County
• Experience. York County District Attorney. Prosecutor, York County D.A’s office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of PA.
• Top Priorities. Public safety and the opioid epidemic. Does not believe the state constitution guarantees a right to abortion access, arguing that decision belongs to the legislature.
• Last Election (2021). Ran unopposed in primary and general elections. 
• Endorsements. Republican Party of Pennsylvania; Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward; U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker; State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
• Quotable. “If citizens aren’t safe, nothing else matters. As a proven prosecutor, I will fight for you.”
• Education. B.S., Penn State University; J.D., Widener Law School
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 3/31/2024)
  • Raised: $162,155.22 | Spent: $36,001.39 | Cash On Hand: $177,249.52

Craig Williams

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Concord Township, Delaware County
• Experience. State representative, 160th Legislative District. Chaired House Impeachment Committee against Larry Krasner. Chief Prosecutor, Camp Pendleton (Marine Corps). Federal Prosecutor, D.C. and Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
• House Committee Assignments. Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Human Services, House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness.
• Top Priorities. Crime and gun violence. Does not believe the state constitution guarantees a right to abortion access, arguing that decision belongs to the legislature.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Catherine Spahr, 52-48%, in general election.
• Endorsements. House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler.
• Quotable. “As a combat veteran & federal prosecutor, I’ve faced challenges head-on and come out on top. I’m the seasoned candidate this race needs, with a track record of victories.”
• Education. B.A, Duke University; J.D., University of Florida; L.L.M., Columbia University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 3/31/2024)
  • Raised: $112,644.00 | Spent: $41,307.63 | Cash On Hand: $113,527.95
  • Debts and Obligations: $48,000