PHILADELPHIA, PA — Republican State Representative Craig Williams, a former Federal Prosecutor and decorated United States Marine Corps combat veteran, is gearing up for a high-stakes battle in the primary race for Attorney General. Williams announced yesterday that he is advancing his campaign to the next stage, setting the stage for a clash against the political establishment.
Williams alleges that Republican lobbyists in Harrisburg and the political establishment in Washington, D.C., are supporting Dave Sunday for Attorney General, whom he portrays as a Democrat disguised as a Republican. He criticized Sunday’s record as York County’s District Attorney, likening his progressive policies to those of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Williams contended that Sunday’s lenient approach to crime has contributed to making York one of the most violent places in the Commonwealth.
In a move that signals his resolve, Williams hired Dr. Mark Campbell, a nationally renowned Campaign Manager known for winning tough “down ballot” races in swing areas. Campbell’s notable achievements include managing the successful campaign of now-governor Glenn Youngkin in Virginia.
In a surprising move, Williams withdrew from the Republican party endorsement process, citing a rushed timeline, lack of live debates, and the party’s support for Sunday. Williams, a lifelong Republican, pledged to unify Republican voters with a tough-on-crime, law-and-order message.
Williams brings a wealth of experience to his campaign. His distinguished military career saw him fly 56 combat missions during the Gulf War and earn 11 personal decorations, including two for acts of valor in combat. After attending law school while serving in the Marines, he became the chief prosecutor for the largest base in the Marine Corps and later served as Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, focusing on ethics and detainee issues.
His legal career continued with the Department of Justice, where he prosecuted cases related to gun crime, violent crime, and organized drug distribution cartels. He also served as a prosecutor for the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University, a Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Florida College of Law, and a Master of Laws with high honors in Jurisprudence (Virtue Ethics and Criminal Law) from the Columbia University School of Law. An active community member, he is an avid Boy Scout leader, track coach, and resides in Concord Township (Delaware County) with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children.
Williams’ decision to challenge the establishment sets the stage for a heated primary race. His campaign promises to bring a robust discussion on crime, law enforcement, and the role of the Attorney General to the forefront of Pennsylvania politics. As the race progresses, Pennsylvanians will have much to consider about the future direction of their state’s law enforcement leadership.
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