HARRISBURG, Pa. — Katayoun “Kat” Copeland, a former federal prosecutor, has declared her candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2024, as she confirmed this week.
A member of the Republican party, Copeland recently departed her position in the U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia in preparation for her campaign for attorney general, the highest-ranking law enforcement role in the state.
The office oversees an annual budget of approximately $140 million and plays a pivotal role in apprehending drug traffickers, combating gun trafficking, defending state laws in court, and safeguarding consumers from predatory practices.
Notably, it played a crucial role in upholding Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in the battleground state, fending off numerous attempts to overturn it in both state and federal courts by Donald Trump’s campaign and Republican allies.
At 56, Copeland brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as a prosecutor for Delaware County in suburban Philadelphia. She also held the position of court-appointed district attorney for two years and ran for a full four-year term in 2019, ultimately losing to Democrat Jack Stollsteimer.
With three decades of prosecutorial experience between her roles in the district attorney’s office and the U.S. attorney’s office, Copeland ascended to the position of chief of the criminal division and contributed to the national security and cybercrimes unit.
While Copeland seeks the Republican nomination, she faces competition from York County’s district attorney, Dave Sunday, who has garnered the endorsement of the Republican Attorneys General Association. Additionally, state House member Craig Williams from Delaware County has expressed his intention to run.
On the Democratic side, four candidates have declared their intentions: state Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn, and Keir Bradford-Grey, the former head of Philadelphia’s and Montgomery County’s public defense lawyers.
Candidates must complete paperwork by Feb. 13 to be included on the April 23 primary ballot. The current Attorney General, Michelle Henry, appointed to fulfill the remainder of Josh Shapiro’s term when he assumed the role of governor, has confirmed that she does not plan to run for a full term.
READ MORE
Centennial Thanksgiving: Grandfather’s Joyful 100th Birthday Celebration with Loved Ones
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.