# Attorney General  
**In one sentence:** This office prosecutes state laws, defends Maryland’s Constitution, and represents the state in legal matters. Voters can choose one candidate.  

## The candidates  
### Anthony G. Brown (Democratic)  
**Background:** Incumbent Maryland Attorney General since 2023, first Black AG in state history. Former U.S. House representative for Maryland’s 4th District (2017–2023). Served 30 years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Iraq and Europe [1].  
**Top stated priorities:** Strengthen communities through economic security, education, and environmental protection; prioritize public safety and criminal justice reform [2].  
**Record or experience relevant to this office:** Led efforts to combat climate change, protect the Chesapeake Bay, and support law enforcement partnerships [3].  

### James B. Rutledge, III (Republican)  
**Background:** Experienced attorney with 40 years of practice; former Bel Air Town Commissioner and member of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Harford County [4].  
**Top stated priorities:** Protect public safety without partisan politics; fight cybercrime, fraud against seniors, and threats to the Chesapeake Bay [5].  
**Record or experience relevant to this office:** Advocated for conservation, farmland preservation, and law enforcement support [6].  

## Where they differ  
- **Public safety:** Brown emphasizes criminal justice reform and community investments, while Rutledge focuses on law enforcement partnerships and combating cybercrime [2][5].  
- **Environmental policies:** Brown highlights climate action and Bay protection, Rutledge stresses practical approaches to resource conservation [2][6].  
- **Experience:** Brown brings statewide leadership as AG and Congress, Rutledge cites decades of legal practice and local governance [3][6].  

## If you care most about...  
- **Economic security:** FOR Brown (prioritizes job creation and small business support) [2].  
- **Public safety:** FOR Rutledge (focuses on law enforcement partnerships and cybercrime) [5].  
- **Environmental protection:** FOR Brown (emphasizes climate action and Bay restoration) [2].  

## Who supports and who opposes  
**Supporters of Brown:** Democratic Party, environmental groups, and progressive advocacy organizations [1].  
**Supporters of Rutledge:** Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police, conservative law enforcement associations [5].  
**Not found in sources checked:** Specific endorsements from major media outlets or third-party organizations.  

## What we could not verify  
- Detailed statistics on Brown’s environmental policies or Rutledge’s criminal justice records.  
- Specific claims about campaign financing or third-party support.  

## Confidence  
**High** – Information is drawn from official election websites, campaign materials, and non-partisan sources like Ballotpedia and Maryland’s State Board of Elections [1][2][5].  

## Sources  
[1] https://anthonybrown.com/ (Anthony G. Brown campaign)  
[2] https://ballotpedia.org/Anthony_G._Brown (Ballotpedia)  
[3] https://oag.maryland.gov/our-office/Pages/about-the-attorney-general.aspx (Maryland AG office)  
[4] https://electjim.com/ (James B. Rutledge campaign)  
[5] https://ballotpedia.org/Maryland_Attorney_General_election,_2026 (Ballotpedia)  
[6] https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/primary_results/gen_results_2026_3.html (Maryland election results)