As Kamala Harris prepares for the possibility of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election, her team is quietly evaluating candidates for the role of attorney general, according to NBC News.
Harris, a former prosecutor, has maintained a positive rapport with current Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland has overseen significant investigations, including the January 6 Capitol attack, and appointed special counsel Jack Smith, who has brought multiple criminal cases against Trump. However, Garland has been at the helm of the Justice Department for over three and a half years, which places him among the longest-serving attorneys general in U.S. history. Harris has indicated that her presidency would chart a different course than that of President Biden.
The future of the Justice Department remains uncertain, particularly with concerns among staff about the implications of a potential Trump victory or false claim of victory. While Garland is expected to remain in his position to facilitate a smooth transition, the timing of any departure remains a crucial factor.
The composition of the Senate will also play a vital role, as any nominee for attorney general must be confirmed by the Senate, which may be closely divided in the next session.
Currently, three primary candidates are being considered for the position of the 87th attorney general of the United States. These candidates are North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, former Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams. There’s also speculation about Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, although her relatively short term complicates potential Senate dynamics.
Harris’ team has emphasized that discussions about potential nominees are still in the preliminary stages, as the focus remains on winning the election. A spokesperson for the transition team stated that they are not making personnel selections before the election.
Cooper, who previously served as North Carolina’s attorney general, is nearing the end of his second term as governor. He had initially been a candidate for Harris’ vice presidential pick but stepped back due to timing concerns. He has been vocal about Harris’ leadership during party events.
Gupta, confirmed as associate attorney general with a narrow Senate vote, has a background as a civil rights lawyer and previously led the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Despite her contentious confirmation, she has built strong bipartisan relationships and received endorsements from several law enforcement organizations.
Williams, confirmed unanimously as the first Black U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York in 2021, has handled high-profile cases, including those involving notable political figures and public personalities.
As the campaign nears its conclusion, Harris is navigating the complexities of discussing the Justice Department while simultaneously building her case against Trump, without providing material that could aid Trump’s legal defense.
Harris is set to make a pivotal speech at the Ellipse, a site of significance due to its association with Trump’s claims about the 2020 election, and she is preparing for potential challenges should Trump declare victory regardless of the election’s outcome.
