Washington, DC – This week, The Columbian’s Editorial Board has endorsed Nick Brown for Attorney General of Washington.  

The Editorial Board highlighted Brown’s prior experience as reasoning for their support: “With experience as a litigator in state, federal and military courts, Democrat Nick Brown has a sterling résumé to be Washington’s top law enforcement official…A graduate of Harvard Law School, Brown has worked in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps for the U.S. Army, as general counsel to Gov. Jay Inslee, and as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington after being appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. He also has worked in the private sector and has served as both a defense attorney and prosecutor.”   

“In the race for Attorney General…Brown’s experience marks him as a strong candidate to continue and expand on the work performed by AG Ferguson’s office.” 

The Board expanded on their reasoning by stating, “During an interview with the Editorial Board, Brown enumerated the duties of the attorney general as ‘One, to defend the state of Washington and the agencies therein; two, to defend the people of Washington.’ He adds, ‘I believe it is the duty of the attorney general to defend the laws of Washington once those laws are passed.’”  

They continue, “Brown…would effectively use the power of the attorney general’s office to influence how the state addresses major issues. He mentions public safety, housing and drug use as pressing topics and provides examples of how he would use the bully pulpit.”  

The Editorial Board also criticized Brown’s opponent saying, “…while Republican Pete Serrano…appears capable of defending those laws, there are some concerns about his willingness to do so.” 

“He [Serrano] has sued the state several times, including over COVID-19 restrictions, and he formed the Silent Majority Foundation, a nonprofit that has challenged gun restrictions. Indeed, our democracy relies on an adversarial system to keep government in check. But it seems disingenuous that Serrano would now promise to defend the same laws he has previously challenged in court.” 

The Ed Board concludes, “Because of his strong credentials and his understanding of the office’s role, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Nick Brown as Washington’s attorney general.” 

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