D.C.鈥檚 first elected attorney general is not running for reelection.
Karl Racine 鈥� who has served in that role since 2015 鈥� announced his plans in a statement issued Tuesday.
鈥淲hile this decision was not made lightly, it makes most sense for my family and me right now,鈥� said the 58-year-old Haitian immigrant, who recently has been the subject of speculation about his political plans, including a possible mayoral run. But he told that 鈥渆lected office, at this point in my life, is not the best fit.鈥�
As D.C.鈥檚 attorney general, Racine has focused on, in his words, creating 鈥渁 more equitable D.C.,鈥� in part by serving vulnerable populations. He鈥檚 launched more 50 investigations into 鈥渨age theft鈥� by employers, for instance. And he has taken steps to reform D.C.鈥檚 juvenile justice system, while seeking to address the root causes in young offenders.
He has also sued a manufacturer of so-called 鈥済host guns,鈥� as well as both the National Rifle Association and its foundation. And earlier this year, Racine’s office sued former president Donald Trump over , and alleged misuse of money by his inaugural committee.
Last year, Racine announced the formation of a public corruption unit within the Office of Attorney General, aimed at targeting bribery, fraud and campaign finance violations.
鈥淚 want to make clear that for the next 15 months of my term as attorney general, I will be working as hard as ever for District residents,鈥� Racine said. 鈥淲e have so much that we鈥檙e working on to stand up for vulnerable D.C. residents, including workers, tenants, and seniors; pushing forward to reform the juvenile justice system; and much more.鈥�
Following the announcement, D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie, who represents Ward 5, praised Racine.
鈥淗is work has resulted in helping to create a more just District of Columbia,鈥� he said.
