Attorney General of Wisconsin

Last updated
Attorney General of Wisconsin
Seal of the Wisconsin Attorney General.png
Seal of the attorney general of Wisconsin
Attorney Josh Kaul.jpg
Incumbent
Josh Kaul
since January 7, 2019
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Style
Seat Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin
AppointerGeneral election
Term length Four years, no term limits
Constituting instrument Wisconsin Constitution of 1848, Article VI
Inaugural holder James S. Brown
FormationJune 7, 1848
(175 years ago) (June 7, 1848)
Salary $148,242 [1]
Website Official page
Official twitter

The attorney general of Wisconsin is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of the government of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Forty-five individuals have held the office of attorney general since statehood. The incumbent is Josh Kaul, a Democrat. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Election and term of office

The attorney general is elected on Election Day in November, and takes office on the first Monday of the next January. [5] There is no limit to the number of terms an attorney general may hold. From 1848 to 1968, the attorney general was elected to a two-year term in the November general election. Since 1970, following ratification of a constitutional amendment in April 1967, the attorney general has been elected to a four-year term.

In the event of a vacancy in the office of the attorney general, the governor of Wisconsin may appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of the term. The attorney general may be removed from office through an impeachment trial. [6] They may also choose to resign from office.

Powers and duties

The attorney general is the chief law officer of the state of Wisconsin, and amongst other duties has charge and conduct for the state of all suits instituted for and against the government thereof, certifies all bonds issued by the state, protects the School Trust Funds managed by the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, and provides written opinions on questions of law to either house of the Wisconsin Legislature or the head of any state agency. [7] [8] By virtue of office, the attorney general directs and supervises the Wisconsin Department of Justice. [9] In accordance with Article X, Section 7 of the Wisconsin State Constitution, the attorney general is a member of the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands; the same is also a member of, or designates members to, the Claims Board, Crime Victims Rights Board, Group Insurance Board, Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions, Judicial Council, Law Enforcement Standards Board, Public Records Board, and the Board of Directors of the Insurance Security Fund. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]

List of attorneys general of Wisconsin

This is a list of attorneys general for Wisconsin, from before statehood to present.

Number of attorneys general of Wisconsin by party affiliation
PartyAttorneys
Republican 28
Democratic 16
Progressive 1

Wisconsin Territory

Before statehood, the Wisconsin Territory also had several attorneys general appointed by the governor of the territory. [18]

ImageNameTook officeLeft officeTerritorial governor
Henry S. Baird.jpg Henry S. Baird 18361839 Henry Dodge
Horatio N. Wells 18391841Henry Dodge
Mortimer M. Jackson.png Mortimer M. Jackson 18421844 James Doty
William Pitt Lynde (Wisconsin Congressman) (3x4a).jpg William Pitt Lynde 18441845 Nathaniel P. Tallmadge
Mortimer M. Jackson.png Mortimer M. Jackson18451846Henry Dodge
A. Hyatt Smith 18461848

State of Wisconsin

   Democratic    Republican    Progressive

#ImageNamePartyTook officeLeft office
1 James Sproat Brown (3x4a).png James S. Brown
(1824–1878) 		Democratic June 7, 1848 [19] January 7, 1850
2 S. Park Coon
(1820–1883)		DemocraticJanuary 7, 1850 [19] January 5, 1852
3 Experience Estabrook (Nebraska Congressman).jpg Experience Estabrook
(1813–1894)		DemocraticJanuary 5, 1852 [19] January 2, 1854
4 George Baldwin Smith.png George Baldwin Smith
(1823–1879)		DemocraticJanuary 2, 1854 [19] January 7, 1856
5 William Rudolph Smith.png William Rudolph Smith
(1787–1868)		DemocraticJanuary 7, 1856 [19] January 4, 1858
6 GabrielBouck.jpg Gabriel Bouck
(1828–1904)		DemocraticJanuary 4, 1858 [19] January 2, 1860
7 James Henry Howe [note 1]
(1827–1893)		 Republican January 2, 1860 [19] October 7, 1862 [19] [20]
8 Winfield Smith.png Winfield Smith [note 2]
(1827–1899)		RepublicanOctober 7, 1862 [19] January 1, 1866
9 Charles R Gill.png Charles R. Gill
(1830–1883)		RepublicanJanuary 1, 1866 [19] January 3, 1870
10 Stephen Steele Barlow
(1818–1900)		RepublicanJanuary 3, 1870 [19] January 5, 1874
11 Andrew Scott Sloan (Wisconsin Congressman).jpg A. Scott Sloan
(1820–1895)		Liberal RepublicanJanuary 5, 1874 [19] January 7, 1878
12 Alexander Wilson
(1833–1888)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1878 [19] January 2, 1882
13 Leander F. Frisby.png Leander F. Frisby [note 3]
(1825–1889)		RepublicanJanuary 2, 1882 [19] January 3, 1887
14 Charles Edward Estabrook.png Charles E. Estabrook
(1847–1918)		RepublicanJanuary 3, 1887 [19] January 5, 1891
15 James L. O'Connor
(1858–1931)		DemocraticJanuary 5, 1891 [19] January 7, 1895
16 William H. Mylrea
(1853–1916)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1895 [19] January 2, 1899
17 Emmett R. Hicks
(1854–1925)		RepublicanJanuary 2, 1899 [19] January 5, 1903
18 Lafayette M. Sturdevant
(1856–1923)		RepublicanJanuary 5, 1903 [19] January 7, 1907
19 Frank L. Gilbert
(1864–1930)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1907 [19] January 2, 1911
20 Levi Horace Bancroft.png Levi H. Bancroft
(1861–1948)		RepublicanJanuary 2, 1911 [19] January 6, 1913
21 Judge Walter C. Owen.png Walter C. Owen [note 1]
(1868–1934)		RepublicanJanuary 6, 1913 [19] January 7, 1918 [19]
22 Spencer Haven [note 2]
(1868–1938)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1918 [19] January 6, 1919
23 John J Blaine Bain crop.jpg John J. Blaine
(1875–1934)		RepublicanJanuary 6, 1919 [19] January 3, 1921
24 William J Morgan.png William J. Morgan
(1883–1983)		RepublicanJanuary 3, 1921 [19] January 1, 1923
25 Herman Ekern (WI).jpg Herman L. Ekern
(1872–1954)		RepublicanJanuary 1, 1923 [19] January 3, 1927
26 John W. Reynolds Sr.
(1876–1958)		RepublicanJanuary 3, 1927 [19] January 2, 1933
27 James E. Finnegan (WI).png James E. Finnegan
(1892–1966)		DemocraticJanuary 2, 1933 [21] January 4, 1937
28 Orland Steen Loomis (Wisconsin governor-elect).jpg Orland Steen Loomis
(1893–1942)		 Progressive January 4, 1937 [22] January 2, 1939
29 John E. Martin (1891-1968) (8254108492) (1).jpg John E. Martin [note 1]
(1891–1968)		RepublicanJanuary 2, 1939 [23] June 1, 1948 [20]
vacantJune 1, 1948June 5, 1948
30 Grover L. Broadfoot (WI).png Grover L. Broadfoot [note 2] [note 1]
(1892-1962)		RepublicanJune 5, 1948 [20] November 12, 1948 [20]
31 Thomas E. Fairchild (WI) (3x4a).png Thomas E. Fairchild [note 2]
(1912–2007)		DemocraticNovember 12, 1948 [20] January 1, 1951
32 Vernon Wallace Thomson (1905-1988) (8276634634) (1).jpg Vernon W. Thomson
(1905–1988)		RepublicanJanuary 1, 1951 [24] January 7, 1957
33 Stewart G. Honeck (WI).png Stewart G. Honeck
(1906–1999)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1957 [25] January 5, 1959
34 John W. Reynolds Jr. (WI).png John W. Reynolds Jr.
(1921–2002)		DemocraticJanuary 5, 1959 [26] January 7, 1963
35 George Thompson (WI).png George Thompson
(1918–1992)		RepublicanJanuary 7, 1963 [27] January 4, 1965
36 Bronson La Follette (WI) (cropped).jpg Bronson La Follette
(1936–2018)		DemocraticJanuary 4, 1965 [28] January 6, 1969
37 Robert W. Warren (WI).png Robert W. Warren [note 1]
(1925–1998)		RepublicanJanuary 6, 1969 [29] October 8, 1974 [20]
38 Victor A. Miller [note 2] [note 1]
(1916–1984)		DemocraticOctober 8, 1974 [20] November 25, 1974 [20]
39 Bronson La Follette (WI) (cropped).jpg Bronson La Follette [note 2]
(1936–2018)		DemocraticNovember 25, 1974 [20] January 5, 1987
40 Don Hanaway (WI).png Don Hanaway
(1933–1995)		RepublicanJanuary 5, 1987
[ citation needed ]		January 7, 1991
41 Jim Doyle (3x4) a.jpg Jim Doyle
(born 1945)		DemocraticJanuary 7, 1991 [30] January 6, 2003
42 Peg Lautenschlager Headshot.jpg Peggy Lautenschlager
(1955–2018)		DemocraticJanuary 6, 2003 [31] January 3, 2007
43 J.B.VanHollen.jpg J.B. Van Hollen
(born 1966)		RepublicanJanuary 3, 2007 [32] January 5, 2015
44 Brad Schimel.jpg Brad Schimel
(born 1965)		RepublicanJanuary 5, 2015January 7, 2019
45 Attorney Josh Kaul.jpg Josh Kaul
(born 1980)		DemocraticJanuary 7, 2019Incumbent
Notes:
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Resigned from office.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Appointed to fill unexpired term.
  3. ↑ Some sources record Leander Frisby's surname as "Frisbie". [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Wirch</span> American politician (born 1943)

Robert W. Wirch is an American Democratic politician from Kenosha County, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 22nd Senate district since 1997. He previously served two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, from 1993 to 1997, and served on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors before that.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peg Lautenschlager</span> American attorney and politician

Peggy Ann Lautenschlager was an American attorney and Democratic politician who was the first chair of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission from 2016 to 2017, the 42nd Attorney General of Wisconsin from 2003 to 2007, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin from 1993 to 2001, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 52nd district from 1989 to 1993, and the Winnebago County District Attorney from 1985 to 1989. Lautenschlager was the first woman to serve as Attorney General of Wisconsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin</span> Constitutional officer of Wisconsin

The lieutenant governor of Wisconsin is the first person in the line of succession of Wisconsin's executive branch, thus serving as governor in the event of the death, resignation, removal, impeachment, absence from the state, or incapacity due to illness of the governor of Wisconsin. Forty-one individuals have held the office of lieutenant governor since Wisconsin's admission to the Union in 1848, two of whom—Warren Knowles and Jack Olson—have served for non-consecutive terms. The first lieutenant governor was John Holmes, who took office on June 7, 1848. The current lieutenant governor is Sara Rodriguez, who took office on January 3, 2023.

Frederick P. Kessler is a retired American lawyer, arbitrator, judge, and Democratic Party politician. He served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for 24 years between 1961 and 2019, and served 11 years as a state judge in the 1970s and 1980s.

The state treasurer of Wisconsin is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of the government of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Thirty-six individuals have held the office since statehood. The incumbent is John Leiber, a Republican.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Richards</span> American politician

Jonathan David Richards is an American attorney, judge, and Democratic politician. He currently serves as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Milwaukee County, since his appointment on September 22, 2020, by Governor Tony Evers. He previously represented Milwaukee for 16 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was a candidate for Attorney General of Wisconsin in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Gottlieb (politician)</span> American politician (born 1956)

Mark Gottlieb is an American civil engineer and Republican politician from Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. He served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation through much of the administration of Governor Scott Walker. He previously served eight years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 60th Assembly district from 2003 to 2011. He was also mayor of Port Washington, Wisconsin, from 1997 to 2003. After leaving government, he became associate director of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee's Institute for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation.

David A. Cullen is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the current treasurer of Milwaukee County. Prior to his election as treasurer in 2014, he served 13 years as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1990–2013), two years on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors (2012–2014), and 7 years on the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Education (1983–1990).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">98th Wisconsin Legislature</span> Wisconsin legislative term for 2007-2008

The Ninety-Eighth Wisconsin Legislature convened from January 3, 2007, through January 5, 2009, in regular session, though it adjourned for legislative activity on June 11, 2008. The legislature also held five special sessions during the term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 1st Assembly district</span> American legislative district in northeast Wisconsin

The 1st Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises all of Door and Kewaunee counties, as well as portions of northeast Brown County. The district is represented by Republican Joel Kitchens, since January 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 2nd Assembly district</span> American legislative district in northeast Wisconsin

The 2nd Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises most of northern Manitowoc County, including the city of Two Rivers, as well as most of the southern half of Brown County, including most of the city of De Pere. It contains landmarks such as St. Norbert College, the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District, and Frenchside Fishing Village. The district is represented by Republican Shae Sortwell, since January 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 4th Assembly district</span> Northeast district of Wisconsin State Assembly

The 4th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises part of central Brown County, including the villages of Ashwaubenon and Allouez, and parts of the city of Green Bay and the village of Howard. The district also contains Lambeau Field and historic Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Woodlawn Cemetery. The district is represented by Republican David Steffen, since January 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 5th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in northeast Wisconsin

The 5th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises most of the eastern half of Outagamie County, including the city of Kaukauna, as well as the town of Hobart in western Brown County. The district also includes nearly all of the Oneida reservation spanning the two counties. The district is represented by Republican Joy Goeben, since January 2023. The 5th Assembly district is located within Wisconsin's 2nd Senate district, along with the 4th and 6th Assembly districts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 10th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 10th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within northeastern Milwaukee County. The district comprises several neighborhoods of the north side of the city of Milwaukee, including the Williamsburg Heights, Arlington Heights, and Grover Heights neighborhoods, as well as the neighboring village of Shorewood. The district is represented by Democrat Darrin Madison, since January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 13th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Waukesha County and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 13th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of western Milwaukee County and eastern Waukesha County. It contains the city of Brookfield and the village of Elm Grove, and part of western Wauwatosa. The district is represented by Republican Tom Michalski, since January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 14th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 14th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of western Milwaukee County. It includes most of the city of Wauwatosa and about half of West Allis. The district is represented by Democrat Robyn Vining, since January 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 16th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The 16th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within the boundaries of the city of Milwaukee in central Milwaukee County. It comprises much of downtown Milwaukee, including the campus of Marquette University, Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Marquette Interchange. The district is represented by Democrat Kalan Haywood, since January 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 17th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The 17th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within the boundaries of the city of Milwaukee in central Milwaukee County. It comprises neighborhoods of Milwaukee's west side, including northern Enderis Park, Capitol Heights, and Lincoln Creek. It includes the historic Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mount Mary University. The district is represented by Democrat Supreme Moore Omokunde, since January 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 18th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 18th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within the boundaries of the city of Milwaukee in central Milwaukee County. It comprises neighborhoods of Milwaukee's west side, including Washington Heights and Sherman Park. It includes landmarks such as the Miller Brewing Company and Washington Park. The district is represented by Democrat Evan Goyke, since January 2013.

References

General

Specific

  1. ↑ Salaries of Wisconsin State Elected Officials (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. 2019. p. 2. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Executive Profiles | Wisconsin Department of Justice".
  3. ↑ "Kaul for Attorney General". Kaul for Attorney General. April 4, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Constitutional Offices".
  5. ↑ Barish, Lawrence S., ed. (2007). "Chapter 3: Wisconsin Constitution (Article XIII)". State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2007–2008 (PDF). Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. p. 234. ISBN   978-0-9752820-2-1 . Retrieved 2008-05-10.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. ↑ Barish, Lawrence S., ed. (2007). "Chapter 3: Wisconsin Constitution (Article VII)". State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2007–2008 (PDF). Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. p. 218. ISBN   978-0-9752820-2-1 . Retrieved 2008-05-10.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. ↑ "Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter 165".
  8. ↑ "Wisconsin Legislature: VI,3". docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.
  9. ↑ "Wisconsin Department of Justice | WisDOJ".
  10. ↑ "Wisconsin Legislature: 15.255(1)(a)6". docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.
  11. ↑ "Claims Board Home". claimsboard.wi.gov.
  12. ↑ "Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund - Welcome". www.wilifega.org.
  13. ↑ "Wisconsin Legislature: ARTICLE X".
  14. ↑ "2019 Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions".
  15. ↑ "Group Insurance Board".
  16. ↑ "Wisconsin Judicial Council".
  17. ↑ "Public Records Board Home".
  18. ↑ "Wisconsin Territory". Archived from the original on October 12, 2008.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Anderson, William J. (1929). William A. Anderson (ed.). The Wisconsin blue book, 1929. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company. p. 152. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Barish, Lawrence S., ed. (2007). "Chapter 8: Statistical Information on Wisconsin". State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2007–2008 (PDF). Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 722–724. ISBN   978-0-9752820-2-1. Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  21. ↑ "Governor Takes Oath Amid Cheers of 5,000" (PDF). Wisconsin State Journal. Madison, Wisconsin. January 3, 1933. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  22. ↑ "New Administrations Started" (PDF). Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. January 4, 1937. p. 6. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  23. ↑ "Gov. Julius P. Heil Takes Office" (PDF). The Sheboygan Press. Sheboygan, Wisconsin. January 2, 1939. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  24. ↑ "Highlights of Inauguration Ceremony as Five State Republican Officials Take Oaths in Capitol" (PDF). Wisconsin State Journal. Madison, Wisconsin. January 2, 1951. p. 2. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  25. ↑ "Thomson Takes Oath, Pledges Common Sense" (PDF). Stevens Point Daily Journal. Stevens Point, Wisconsin. January 7, 1957. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  26. ↑ "Gaylord Nelson Becomes State's 34th Governor" (PDF). Stevens Point Daily Journal. Stevens Point, Wisconsin. January 5, 1959. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  27. ↑ "Reynolds Calls for Unity At Inaugural Ceremonies" (PDF). Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. January 7, 1963. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  28. ↑ "Knowles Seeks State's Aid in Move Forward" (PDF). Wisconsin State Journal. Madison, Wisconsin. January 5, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  29. ↑ "Knowles Stresses Need for Priorities" (PDF). Manitowoc Herald Times. Manitowoc, Wisconsin. January 6, 1969. p. 1. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  30. ↑ "Thompson takes oath, praises school choice" (PDF). Ironwood Daily Globe. Ironwood, Michigan. January 8, 1991. p. 7. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  31. ↑ "The guard changes". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. January 7, 2003. p. 1A. ProQuest   261710319.
  32. ↑ "At inauguration, Doyle keeps focus on health care, schools; Legislative leaders make bipartisan pledges after Capitol ceremonies". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. January 4, 2007. p. 1B. ProQuest   263656000.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.