It is a political position that is in the spotlight.

It has been a stepping stone to the governor’s mansion.

And the job is available … beginning in 2025.

The last two elected Attorneys General in the Commonwealth both rose to the governor’s chair – Republican Tom Corbett in 2010 and Democrat Josh Shapiro in 2022.

Shapiro has nominated First Deputy Attorney General Michelle Henry, a former Bucks County prosecutor, will become attorney general. By tradition, an appointed attorney general agrees not to run for the post in the next election.

We’re hearing there are as many as 12 candidates who are exploring runs at the job.

Republicans

Scott Brady. The former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania is currently a partner with Jones Day. Under his direction, the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought charges following the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Bill McSwain. The former U.S. attorney in Philadelphia, who finished third in the Republican primary for governor, could capitalize on the name recognition he gained with voters in that race.

Natalie Mihalek. The state representative previously served in the Allegheny County’s District Attorney’s Office

David Sunday. The York County District Attorney has been a prosecutor since 2009 and also served as Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Craig Williams. The state representative from Delaware and Chester counties and former federal prosecutor currently serves as one of the impeachment managers in the trial of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

Nicole Ziccarelli. She became the first female District Attorney in Westmoreland County history in 2022 after operating her own practice. Her “Friends of Nicole Ziccarelli” PAC raised over $35,000 last quarter and has almost $53,000 in hand as of December 31.

Democrats

Keir Bradford-Grey. Formerly the city of Philadelphia’s chief public defender, she stepped down last March and held her first fund-raiser a month later. Bradford-Grey, a partner in Montgomery McCracken’s Litigation department, has been encouraged by Philadelphia Democratic Party Chair Bob Brady to run.

Eugene DePasquale. The former two-term Auditor General and three-term member of the General Assembly, who is now teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, has asked Brady for his support and said, “I am absolutely considering” a run.

Joe Khan. The Bucks County Solicitor announced his resignation from his position this week to return to private practice. However in December, a political action committee called Friends of Joe Khan raised $176,007 in one month, a campaign finance report showed. As of Dec. 31, the PAC has $175,044.61 on hand.

Conor Lamb. The former U.S. congressman who finished second to John Fetterman in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate tweeted “I hope to return to public service one day, perhaps soon.” He currently is with the personal injury firm of Kline & Specter.

Jared Solomon. The state representative from Philadelphia is also one of the impeachment managers for Krasner’s trial, in part to ensure that the DA receives a fair trial. Solomon’s PAC has nearly $235,000 in hand as of the end of the year.

Jack Stollsteimer. The former U.S. Attorney is seeking a second term as Delaware County District Attorney in the fall but could be interested in a higher position. His PAC raised $38,577 last quarter and has over $104,000 in hand.