Russell Coleman, a seasoned law enforcement professional and committed public servant, currently serves as the 52nd Attorney General of Kentucky. His extensive career encompasses roles as a U.S. Attorney, FBI Special Agent, and legal advisor, reflecting a steadfast dedication to upholding justice and ensuring public safety.
Political Career Path to Attorney General
Born in Paducah, Kentucky, Coleman was raised across various counties, including Mayfield, Daviess, and Logan. He pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, earning both his undergraduate degree in political science in 1998 and his Juris Doctor in 2004.
Coleman’s professional journey is marked by a series of significant law enforcement and legal roles:
- FBI Special Agent: Fulfilling a childhood aspiration, Coleman served as an FBI Special Agent, investigating national security, white-collar, and violent crimes. His commitment led him to a temporary assignment in Iraq, supporting the Global War on Terror. An injury later necessitated his departure from the FBI, but his dedication to public safety remained unwavering.
- Legal Counsel to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell: Transitioning to legislative affairs, Coleman provided legal counsel and senior advisory services to Senator Mitch McConnell, gaining valuable insights into federal legislative processes.
- Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney: Demonstrating a commitment to local communities, he served as a prosecutor in Oldham County, Kentucky, addressing various criminal cases and reinforcing his prosecutorial experience.
- U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky: In 2017, Coleman was nominated by President Donald Trump and unanimously confirmed by the Senate as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. In this capacity, he acted as the chief federal law enforcement officer for 53 counties, overseeing prosecutions related to firearms, narcotics, public corruption, child exploitation, and terrorism.
In 2023, Coleman announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Kentucky. Running unopposed in the Republican primary, he secured the nomination and subsequently won the general election on November 7, 2023, with 58% of the vote, defeating Democratic nominee Pamela Stevenson. He assumed office on January 1, 2024.
Approach to Lowering Crime
Throughout his career, Coleman has exhibited a proactive and collaborative approach to combating crime:
- Federal Initiatives: As U.S. Attorney, he prioritized tackling violent crime and drug trafficking. He established the first-ever full-time U.S. Attorney’s Office in Bowling Green and increased staffing in the Paducah office, enhancing federal law enforcement presence in these regions.
- Opioid Crisis Litigation: As Attorney General, Coleman has taken legal action against entities he believes contributed to the opioid epidemic. In September 2024, he filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, alleging the company colluded with opioid manufacturers in deceptive marketing, leading to an oversupply of opioids in Kentucky communities.
- Resource Allocation: Coleman has emphasized the importance of reallocating resources to focus more on fighting crime and less on contesting federal regulations, especially with changes in the federal administration.
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Coleman’s perspective on social justice issues reflects a balance between upholding legal standards and acknowledging societal challenges:
- Law Enforcement and Community Relations: Recognizing the complexities of law enforcement, Coleman has addressed the need for a nuanced approach to protests and civil unrest. During the 2020 protests in Louisville, he differentiated between peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights and individuals engaging in criminal activities under the guise of protest, emphasizing that the latter would face legal consequences.
- Gender-Affirming Surgeries for Incarcerated Individuals: In December 2024, Coleman issued an opinion stating that Kentucky is not legally obligated to use taxpayer funds for gender-affirming surgeries for incarcerated individuals, asserting that declining to fund such procedures does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Record on Illegal Immigration
Coleman has actively engaged in matters related to illegal immigration, often positioning himself in opposition to federal policies he perceives as inadequate:
- Legal Actions Against Federal Policies: In February 2025, reports indicated that the new GOP Congress was moving closer to passing a law that would allow Kentucky’s attorney general to sue the Department of Homeland Security, reflecting Coleman’s readiness to challenge federal immigration policies he deems insufficient.
- Public Statements: Through his official channels, Coleman has expressed a commitment to protecting Kentucky residents from what he describes as the “Biden administration’s reckless agenda,” which includes his stance on immigration enforcement.
In summary, Russell Coleman’s tenure as Kentucky’s Attorney General is characterized by a robust commitment to law enforcement, a pragmatic approach to social justice issues, and a proactive stance on illegal immigration, all underpinned by a career dedicated to public service and the rule of law.