Pam Bondi’s grip on the attorney-general’s chair looks shaky. #FireBondi keeps trending, Senate critics are circling, and prediction-market traders are pricing in her exit at 32%, a forecast that continues to climb.
While Bondi fights to keep her job, here are ten names GOP insiders say could top any serious short-list.
Harmeet Dhillon
Assistant attorney general for civil rights
- Why she’s in play: Already Senate-confirmed, offering an easier confirmation path.
- Selling points: Long conservative-litigation résumé; popular with the GOP base and Silicon Valley libertarians.
- Potential hurdles: Limited experience overseeing a 115k-employee department.
Ken Paxton
Texas attorney general
- Why he’s in play: Personally touted by Trump during the 2024 campaign.
- Selling points: Aggressive litigator on immigration and ESG; adored by conservative activists.
- Potential hurdles: Ongoing state ethics investigations and past SEC complaints.
Jeff Clark
Former acting assistant attorney general, Environment & Natural Resources
- Why he’s in play: Trump tried to elevate him in 2021 and values his loyalty.
- Selling points: Willingness to push election-law boundaries; close ties to Trump’s legal inner circle.
- Potential hurdles: January 6 investigations still shadow him; confirmation fight expected.
Mike Davis
Founder, Article III Project
- Why he’s in play: Publicly campaigns for the AG role and shepherded three Trump SCOTUS picks.
- Selling points: Deep Senate GOP relationships; conservative-media star.
- Potential hurdles: Past incendiary comments about journalists could alienate moderates.
Kris Kobach
Kansas attorney general
- Why he’s in play: Long-time immigration hawk; floated for AG since 2018.
- Selling points: Ivy-League pedigree plus MAGA credibility on voter-ID and border security.
- Potential hurdles: History of statewide election losses; civil-rights lawsuits looming.
Stephen Miller
President of America First Legal; former senior White House adviser
- Why he’s in play: Architect of Trump’s immigration agenda and trusted confidant.
- Selling points: Fierce loyalty, sharp legal instincts, instant name recognition with the base.
- Potential hurdles: Polarizing reputation likely to trigger a confirmation brawl.
Mark Brnovich
Former Arizona attorney general
- Why he’s in play: Seasoned state AG with high-profile lawsuits against the Biden administration.
- Selling points: Federalist Society favorite; prior Senate-confirmed commission experience.
- Potential hurdles: Fractured relationship with Arizona’s MAGA activists after 2020 election audits.
Trey Gowdy
Former House Oversight chair; Fox News host
- Why he’s in play: Ex-federal prosecutor with TV polish who often surfaces in AG chatter.
- Selling points: Strong Hill friendships could calm GOP senators.
- Potential hurdles: Publicly swore off elected office; critics cite limited legislative wins.
Matt Whitaker
Trump’s first-term acting attorney general
- Why he’s in play: Already battle-tested at DOJ and fiercely loyal to Trump.
- Selling points: Knows department machinery; comfortable in the media spotlight.
- Potential hurdles: Past scrutiny over business ventures and Mueller-era tenure could resurface.
Todd Blanche
Deputy attorney general (nominated)
- Why he’s in play: Bondi’s No. 2 is quietly gaining Senate allies.
- Selling points: Former SDNY prosecutor and white-collar specialist; offers continuity without drama.
- Potential hurdles: Low national profile may not satisfy Trump’s desire for a headline pick.
