Nick Brown made history in November 2024 when he was elected as Washington State’s 19th Attorney General, becoming the first Black statewide elected official outside of the Supreme Court in state history. With a career spanning military service, civil rights advocacy, and public law, Brown brings a wealth of experience to the role, emphasizing public safety, consumer protection, and justice for all Washingtonians.
With a legal team of over 800 attorneys, Brown leads one of the largest public law firms in the country. His goal is to strengthen the Attorney General’s Office and ensure it remains a powerful advocate for Washington residents. He believes the office must play a key role in upholding and enforcing state laws, defending civil rights, and holding corporations accountable when they violate public trust. As he embarks on his term, Brown is focused on delivering tangible results that improve lives, uphold justice, and continue the legacy of progress in the state.
Born and raised in Steilacoom, Brown was influenced by his parents’ dedication to public service—his father was an Army veteran, and his mother worked as a nurse and healthcare administrator. Following their example, Brown joined ROTC to help fund his education at Morehouse College before earning a law degree from Harvard University. His legal career began in the Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, where he gained experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. During his service, he fought against predatory lenders exploiting military families and defended the rights of soldiers. His commitment earned him a Bronze Star in 2005.
After leaving the military, Brown returned to Washington State and continued his career as a prosecutor. He later became lead counsel for Governor Jay Inslee, gaining firsthand experience in shaping state policy and legal strategy. While in the governor’s office, he played a key role in implementing a moratorium on the death penalty in Washington and worked closely with then-Attorney General Bob Ferguson to challenge the Trump administration’s policies, including the controversial Muslim travel ban.
In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Brown as the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, where he oversaw efforts to combat drug cartels, prosecute sex trafficking cases, and address the fentanyl crisis. He also chaired the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights, prioritizing the prosecution of hate crimes and protecting marginalized communities. His tenure as U.S. Attorney reinforced his reputation as a dedicated public servant committed to justice and equity.
Brown resigned from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2023 to launch his campaign for Attorney General. His platform focused on enhancing public safety, advancing workers’ rights, ensuring environmental protections, and holding corporations accountable for wrongdoing. As Attorney General, he has vowed to use the legal system to protect Washingtonians from fraud, corporate abuse, and threats to civil liberties.
Public safety remains a central focus of Brown’s agenda. He has pledged to work with law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime, combat the fentanyl epidemic, and prevent human trafficking. He also highlights the importance of economic stability, vowing to take on corporations that engage in exploitative practices and to expand consumer protections.
In addition to addressing state and local issues, Brown has prepared for potential legal challenges at the federal level. His office will closely monitor policies from Washington, D.C., to determine whether they infringe on state laws or harm Washington residents. However, he has made clear that his focus will remain on serving the people of the state, rather than engaging in unnecessary legal battles with the federal government.
As Washington’s first Black Attorney General, Brown acknowledges the historic significance of his election. While he is focused on the work ahead, he also recognizes the importance of representation in leadership. He hopes his election will inspire more diverse candidates to seek office and bring new perspectives to government.
“There has never been a chance for someone like me, that looks like me, to have this job,” Brown said. “It is important for me to represent not only myself and my values but to bring my history, my culture, and my people’s history to the job.”
Brown is committed to making the Attorney General’s Office a stronger force for justice and advocacy in Washington. As he takes on this historic role, his vision remains clear: “Keeping Washington families safe has been my life’s work. As Attorney General, I’ll keep fighting for the people and families of Washington every day.”
