WAUKESHA, Wis. (Legal Newsline) -- Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel announced Monday he will run for attorney general.
Schimel, a Republican, pointed to his record as a frontline prosecutor.
"I am deeply honored that so many of my fellow law enforcement leaders, friends and community leaders have expressed such great confidence in me to take on the challenge of serving the state of Wisconsin as its next attorney general," he said. "The dangers surrounding Wisconsin families are very real, and in many cases they present challenges that demand new strategies to combat.
"The role of attorney general is critical to law enforcement's ability to wage these battles, and it is not a role in which someone can 'learn while they earn.' I can immediately hit the ground running to fight these crimes."
Schimel was first elected district attorney in 2006. He previously served as an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County starting in 1990.
In 2011, he was appointed to serve on the Wisconsin Judicial Council as well as the Wisconsin Crime Victim Council.
Schimel is looking to replace current Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who announced last week he will not seek a third term as the state's top lawyer.
According to Wisconsin Radio Network, state Reps. Chris Taylor and Jon Richards are considering a run, as is Wisconsin Professional Police Association Executive Director Jim Palmer.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.
District attorney to run for Wis. AG
