The attorney general of the State of Michigan is the fourth most important official in the state. This person is elected by voters in the November general election at the same time as the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Since the Michigan Constitution was changed in 1963, the attorney general serves a term of four years. The person in this role can only serve two full terms, meaning up to eight years total. If they take over partway through a term and later complete two full terms, they may serve up to ten years.
The Michigan Constitution gives the attorney general the legal authority to act as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. This includes the ability to act as a peace officer and to hire special agents with similar authority to help enforce laws and perform duties.
According to Michigan law, MCL 14.32, the attorney general must provide legal opinions on any questions of law when asked by the legislature, the governor, or other state officials.
The current attorney general of Michigan is Democrat Dana Nessel. She was elected in November 2018 and took office on January 1, 2019.