BETHESDA, Md. (Legal Newsline) -- Maryland Sen. Brian Frosh announced Tuesday that he has decided to run for state attorney general in 2014.
Frosh, a member of the Senate since 1995, currently chairs the Judicial Proceedings Committee, is a member of the Executive Nominations Committee and the Legislative Policy Committee. He also serves as vice-chair of the Rules Committee.
In an email to supporters, Frosh said he wants to be "the people's lawyer."
"In a world where powerful special interests seem to get all the breaks, too many Marylanders feel like their voices aren't being heard," he wrote. "They want to know they've got an advocate who will fight for them. They want to know someone has got their backs.
"That's why, after much encouragement from Marylanders across the state, I've decided to run for attorney general."
Frosh, a Democrat, already has outlined his priorities.
"We need an attorney general who will fight for justice and equal treatment for all Marylanders; someone who knows that protecting our children and fighting for safe communities is the first step in creating opportunity for all; someone who will protect consumers and seniors from those who try to defraud them; and someone who will enforce laws that protect our environment; and someone who will work to prevent discrimination so that all Marylanders have the opportunities they deserve," he said.
Prior to his time in the Senate, Frosh also served in the House of Delegates, serving two four-year terms.
But the Senate is where he has made his mark -- in particular, as chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Since becoming head of the committee in 2003, he has played a major role in shepherding landmark legislation on gun safety, marriage equality, repeal of the death penalty and protection for Maryland families against losing their homes.
He also has authored important environmental laws, including a ban on drilling for oil and gas in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the Maryland Recycling Act.
He also has fought to hold utility companies accountable for poor service and unreasonable rate hikes, and to make college affordable by reducing tuition costs at Maryland's public colleges and universities.
Born in Washington, D.C., he earned his bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University and his law degree from Columbia University.
He currently lives in Chevy Chase, Md., with wife Marcy. They have two daughters.
Current Attorney General Doug Gansler is considered a strong candidate for governor in 2014, though he hasn't formally announced a run.
However, Gansler's campaign manager told The Associated Press last month that an official announcement will come in September.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.