Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2014 has sparked a flurry of election activity. Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee, and Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel have already announced their entrance into the attorney general race, and other candidates are expected to announce soon.

Richards has served the city of Milwaukee in the Wisconsin State Legislature since 1999, practicing law throughout. Richards says he wants to address violence in cities and schools, deal with the increasing rate of heroin abuse, shorten delays in the court system, and give local law enforcement more tools to prevent crime.

Schimel, Waukesha County district attorney since 2006, announced his candidacy on the Republican ticket on the steps of the Waukesha County Courthouse. In his announcement, Schimel referenced the need to deal with the increase in heroin use, and better monitoring of prescription drug abuse which can be linked to eventual heroin use. Schimel also described responding to new problems created by the Internet, including child pornography and identity theft. 17 district attorneys have announced their endorsement of Schimel.

Also considering a run for the office are: Matt Frank, former DNR secretary and prosecutor; Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison); Jim Palmer, head of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association; and Judge David Borowski of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

The general election for attorney general will be held Nov. 4, 2014.

This post was authored by Rebecca Ballweg, an intern at the Hamilton Consulting Group.