3 key Oregon positions open in 2024 as attorney general announces she will not run again

Dianne Lugo, Salem Statesman Journal
Updated ·2 min read
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum walks to the mic July 6 to give remarks during an unveiling ceremony for the women’s suffrage marker at Oregon State Capitol State Park.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum walks to the mic July 6 to give remarks during an unveiling ceremony for the women’s suffrage marker at Oregon State Capitol State Park.
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Oregon's attorney general Ellen Rosenblum will not seek reelection at the end of her term, she announced Tuesday.

Rosenblum, the first female attorney general in the state, was elected Oregon's top lawyer in 2012 and then reelected in 2016 and 2020.

"While there are no term limits in Oregon for AG, I have decided to impose my own and concluded three-plus terms is enough," Rosenblum, 72, said in a statement. "Every state agency, no matter how well run, can benefit from new leadership, new energy and new initiatives."

3 top spots up for grabs

Rosenblum's announcement means three key state positions will be up for grabs with no incumbent in the November 2024 election.

LaVonne Griffin-Valade, who was appointed secretary of state after Shemia Fagan resigned, has said she did not plan to run for the office. State treasurer Tobias Read earlier this month announced he will run for secretary of state, leaving the treasurer spot open.

Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read
Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read

The deadline to file for the primary election in May isn't until March 12, but a number of people have begun to make public announcements.

Sen. James Manning, D-Eugene, has announced he will run for secretary of state. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, has filed to run for state treasurer.

Finishing her term

Before serving as attorney general, Rosenblum was a federal prosecutor and a state trial and appellate judge in the Multnomah County Circuit Court and Oregon Court of Appeals.

"Each term has brought new and important issues and challenges. In the course of our work, I like to think I — and the nearly 1,400 wonderful employees of the state Department of Justice — have made life better for all Oregonians. During my time in office, we've accomplished a lot together," Rosenblum said.

Rosenblum's term ends in January of 2025. She said in her statement she will continue to "give this job" her "best." Rosenblum said she was announcing her decision more than a year in advance of the next general election to help assure "good candidates" vying for her position.

No Democrats have currently filed to run for the position. One Republican, Will Lathrop has. According to his biography, Lathrop was a deputy district attorney in Marion and Yamhill counties for nine years and was raised in eastern Oregon.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum will not seek reelection