Widely known as "the people's lawyer," the attorney general is considered the lawyer of all lawyers.The best thing about this position is that the role is not appointed, but voted on — the community gets to decide who fights for justice on their behalf.

While this position is important to all people, having a Black attorney general is especially important to Black people, because the shared Black experience can enable them to effectively advocate on behalf of the community's needs. So if you’re not familiar with who is running for this coveted position in your home state, it’s time to get acquainted with these seven brilliant Black candidates:

1. Sean Shaw (D-FL)

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An attorney and state representative for the Sunshine State, Rep. Shaw's priorities for the people include gun reform, opioid treatment and prevention, and attacking discriminatory practices in the workplace head-on.

For more details about Sean Shaw and his campaign, visit seanshaw.com.

2. Kwame Raoul (D-IL)

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Chicago native Kwame Raoul is a member of the Illinois Senate. After Barack Obama was appointed to the U.S. Senate, Raoul was appointed to take over his seat in the state Senate. In his personal life, he has overcome prostate cancer, and this fight has fueled his strong concern for affordable health care in Illinois.

To learn more about Kwame Raoul and his campaign, check out kwameraoul.com.

3. Keith Ellison (D-MN)

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Keith Ellison is a Minnesota congressman, who also currently serves as deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). His campaign platform for attorney general promotes affordable health care, a fair economy, and opportunity for all

Despite being accused of abuse by an ex-girlfriend, he reportedly still may snag the win over his Republican opponent.

Find out more about Keith Ellison's campaign at keithellison.org.

4. Aaron Ford (D-NV)

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Originally from Texas, Aaron Ford is an attorney and Nevada state senator since 2012, and became the Nevada State Senate Majority Leader in 2016. During his tenure, Ford has led plans to reduce mass incarceration and transform Nevada's criminal justice system with education initiatives, as well as mental health and substance abuse programs.

Now running for attorney general of Nevada, Ford's campaign platform is primarily driven by a family-first agenda.

"Our country is facing a more uncertain political climate than we’ve seen in decades. Partisan polarization has created an environment that lacks civil discourse and amplifies divisions. That’s why it’s more important than ever to have an Attorney General who will put politics aside and focus on using all the legal tools necessary to protect Nevada’s families — many of whom rightly feel like the system is rigged against them," Ford said, in a statement addressed to the citizens of Nevada.

Familiarize yourself with Aaron Ford's campaign at FordForNevada.com.

5. Letitia 'Tish' James (D-NY)

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Public Advocate Letitia "Tish" James is the embodiment of #BlackGirlMagic, as "the first woman of color to hold for citywide office in the state of New York." A true supporter of upholding the people's constitutional rights, James is ready to proudly advocate for women’s rights, standing with the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. One aspect of her campaign platform includes a comprehensive strategy to ensure women's reproductive rights are well protected, and that they have consistent access to related healthcare needs. 

James' campaign platform also includes plans of action regarding environmental conservation and protection, immigrants' rights and gun law reform.

To find out more about Letitia James and her campaign platform, go to tishjames2018.com.

6. Mark Myles (D-OK)

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The son of an Army major, Mark Myles spent many of his formative years moving from city to city, before his family officially set down roots in Oklahoma. A graduate of OU College of Law, the tenants of his campaign for attorney general of Oklahoma addresses public health and public safety, with emphasis on confronting drug addiction and the prevalence of pill mills as well as criminal justice reform. 

Get familiar with Mark Myles campaign by visiting electmarkmyles.com.

7. Karl Racine (D-Washington, D.C.)

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The first-ever attorney general for the District of Columbia, Karl Racine is running for re-election. The Haitian-born attorney's campaign platform includes reforming the juvenile justice system, combating gentrification and fighting for fair pay for all.

Learn more about Karl Racine's campaign by visiting karlracine.com.

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