Lynn Fitch, born on October 5, 1961, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, has established herself as a prominent figure in Mississippi’s political landscape, notably serving as the state’s first female Attorney General and the first Republican to hold the office since 1878.
Political Career Path to Attorney General
Fitch’s journey in public service began at the age of 23 when she started practicing law as a Special Assistant Attorney General under Attorney General Ed Pittman. Her career encompasses over 35 years of legal experience, blending both private practice and public service roles. She has served as counsel for the Mississippi House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, a bond lawyer in private practice, and as Deputy Executive Director at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. In 2009, Governor Haley Barbour appointed her as the Executive Director of the Mississippi State Personnel Board, marking her initial foray into statewide administrative leadership.
In 2011, Fitch announced her candidacy for State Treasurer of Mississippi. She secured the Republican nomination after a runoff and won the general election with 59% of the vote. She was re-elected in 2015, serving as State Treasurer until 2020.
In 2018, Fitch declared her candidacy for Attorney General. She won the Republican primary and subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Jennifer Riley Collins in the general election, making history as the first woman and first Republican since 1878 to hold the office. She was sworn in on January 9, 2020. Fitch was re-elected in 2023, continuing her tenure as Attorney General.
Approach to Lowering Crime
As Attorney General, Fitch has prioritized initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety. In 2025, she released a legislative agenda focusing on cracking down on emerging areas of crime, reflecting her commitment to adapting law enforcement strategies to contemporary challenges.
Fitch has also emphasized the importance of supporting victims of crime. Her office has observed Crime Victims’ Rights Week, highlighting the need for comprehensive services and support systems for victims.
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Fitch’s stance on social justice issues is multifaceted, reflecting both traditional and contemporary perspectives. She gained national attention for her role in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, where she advocated for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, arguing that abortion policy should be determined by individual states.
In addition to her anti-abortion stance, Fitch has been a proponent of women’s rights. She was the first state attorney general to sign the Independent Women’s Voice’s Women’s Bill of Rights, which acknowledges inherent differences between women and men and seeks to uphold equality without compromising women’s rights.
Fitch has also addressed issues related to gender identity in sports. She has supported legislation aimed at preserving the integrity of women’s sports by ensuring that participation is based on biological sex, reflecting her commitment to what she views as fairness in athletic competition.
Record on Illegal Immigration
Fitch has taken a firm stance on illegal immigration. In January 2023, she joined 19 other state attorneys general in suing the Biden administration to halt a new immigration policy that they argued would exacerbate illegal immigration.
Furthermore, Fitch’s office has been involved in state-level initiatives addressing illegal immigration. Proposed changes to state enforcement policies have raised concerns among immigrant rights advocates, particularly regarding the classification of undocumented presence as a state felony and the expedited deportation processes. These proposals highlight Fitch’s commitment to stricter immigration enforcement, though they have sparked debate about their implications for civil rights and due process.
Lynn Fitch’s tenure as Mississippi’s Attorney General is characterized by her trailblazing role as the first woman and first Republican in over a century to hold the office. Her career reflects a dedication to public service, with significant efforts to reform crime policies, advocate for women’s rights within her ideological framework, and enforce stringent immigration laws. Her policies and actions continue to influence Mississippi’s legal and social landscape, reflecting her commitment to her interpretations of justice and public safety.