Andrea Campbell Seeks Re-Election to Continue Her Justice-Focused Agenda
Attorney General Andrea Campbell has officially launched her 2026 re-election campaign, reaffirming her mission to protect Massachusetts families and communities. Speaking in Boston’s South End, where she grew up, Campbell reflected on her first term while calling for continued progress.
“Our work is far from done,” she said. “Too many families are still struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. This is why I’m running for re-election, because Massachusetts deserves an attorney general who leads with empathy, compassion, and a sense of urgency.”
Since taking office in January 2023, Campbell has led with a bold approach—taking on powerful interests and expanding the scope of the attorney general’s office.
Fighting for Fairness and Holding Powerful Interests Accountable
Under Campbell’s leadership, the attorney general’s office has pursued nearly 40 lawsuits against the Trump administration, protecting billions in education, health care, and research funding. Her efforts helped safeguard $3.01 billion of the $3.18 billion that federal cuts had threatened.
Campbell has also restructured the office, creating several new units focused on community protection. These include a reproductive justice unit, an elder justice unit, and a dedicated office for gun safety enforcement. Her office successfully defended the state’s assault weapons ban, a major legal victory that the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld.
Beyond the courtroom, Campbell’s team has fought sex trafficking, securing guilty verdicts against members of a Boston-area ring, and launched an investigation into racial bias within the Boston Police Department’s gang unit and database.
Standing Firm on Housing and Consumer Protection
Housing remains one of Campbell’s biggest priorities. She enforced the MBTA Communities Act, which requires cities and towns to create multifamily housing near public transit. When the town of Milton refused to comply, Campbell’s office sued. The Supreme Judicial Court later ruled in her favor, upholding the law and confirming her authority to ensure compliance.
Despite local pushback, Campbell maintains that fair housing laws must be enforced consistently. “The law is a binding obligation,” she said, stressing her commitment to housing access and equity.
Her consumer protection work has also produced major results. Campbell’s office returned $32 million to workers denied fair wages and saved families more than $400 million by blocking unjust utility rate hikes. “We will continue to do that work,” she said, “especially as the federal government is walking away.”
Taking On Tech Giants and Defending State Integrity
Campbell has also taken on digital platforms. In 2024, she filed a lawsuit against TikTok, arguing that the company’s design intentionally harms young users and violates consumer protection laws.
Her office defended state institutions as well, representing Treasurer Deb Goldberg in a lawsuit over the removal of Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien. Though a court later reinstated O’Brien, Campbell’s defense underscored her commitment to due process and accountability.
She has also faced criticism for not pursuing a lawsuit to enforce a voter-approved audit of the Legislature. Campbell responded that constitutional limits restrict her authority and that the state auditor has not provided enough information to justify legal action.
From Boston Roots to Statewide Leadership
Campbell’s story continues to inspire many across Massachusetts. Raised in Boston’s South End, she faced deep personal challenges—her mother died when she was young, her father and brother cycled through the prison system, and her twin brother died in state custody.
“I didn’t run for office because I thought it would be easy,” she said in her campaign ad. “Life hasn’t been easy. My own story is proof of what’s possible.”
Before becoming attorney general, Campbell served as a Boston city councilor and as deputy legal counsel to former Governor Deval Patrick. After an unsuccessful 2021 mayoral run, she won the attorney general’s race in 2022, defeating Republican Jay McMahon with 63% of the vote.
Her historic election made her the first Black woman ever elected to statewide office in Massachusetts—a milestone that continues to shape her public service legacy.
Looking Ahead
As Campbell begins her campaign for a second term, she emphasizes unfinished work and a continued commitment to justice. Her leadership has blended empathy with action, and her next chapter may further define how equity and accountability take root in Massachusetts governance.
