Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Governor names State Treasurer Eric Schmitt attorney general

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Mike Parson announced Eric Schmitt as the next Attorney General of Missouri.

Governor Parson said, “As Governor, I take the responsibility to make appointments very seriously. Now that Josh Hawley will soon be serving in the United States Senate, I have the responsibility to ensure we provide stability and instill confidence for all Missourians that their government will continue to work for them.”

“I am incredibly proud and pleased to announce that Eric Schmitt will be Missouri’s next Attorney General. It was important to appoint someone who has already been thoroughly vetted by the people of Missouri. Eric is someone who I highly respect, personally trust, and have full confidence to serve as Missouri’s chief law enforcement officer,” said Governor Parson.

Incoming Attorney General Eric Schmitt said, “I want to thank Governor Parson for the opportunity to continue serving Missourians as their attorney general and chief law enforcement official. Governor Parson has been a truly outstanding governor for the state of Missouri who is moving our state forward on so many important areas for Missouri families.





“It is an incredible honor to be named the lawyer for 6 million Missourians, and I promise to fight each and every day so that the next generation of Missourians have the same opportunities I’ve enjoyed in the greatest country on earth. I believe everyone is granted the right to be treated equally under the law. No matter who you are, what race or religion you are, your background, your creed – every single person is entitled to equality of opportunity and a fair shake under the law,” said Schmitt.

Attorney General Josh Hawley showed his support and said, "Over the past two years, the men and women of the Attorney General’s Office have taken on some of the most powerful forces in Missouri and across the country to defend the people of this state. We filed one of the largest lawsuits in Missouri history to hold accountable opioid manufacturers, fought the federal government to undo burdensome regulations on Missouri farmers, executed the largest human trafficking raid in Missouri’s history, and launched investigations of the country’s most powerful big tech companies.”

"The Attorney General’s job is to fight for Missouri families regardless how big or powerful the opponent may be, and I know Eric Schmitt will continue this important work. He is a constitutional conservative and has a proven record of standing up for taxpayers in the Treasurer’s office. I applaud his willingness and commitment to fight for Missourians as the next Attorney General," said Hawley.

Schmitt comes with great experience and qualification to this new role. Schmitt was sworn in as the 46th Treasure of the state of Missouri on January 9, 2017. During his time as State Treasurer, he has protected Missouri taxpayers, supported small businesses, and empowered individuals and families while overseeing the state’s $28 billion budget.

Schmitt attended DeSmet Jesuit High School and continued his education to graduate cum laude from Truman State University, where he founded a Habitat for Humanity chapter. After graduation, he attended law school at Saint Louis University where he received his J.D. and served as an editor of the Law Review.

Schmitt’s record of accomplishments serves as a reflection of his values and leadership. During his time as an Alderman for the city of Glendale and his two terms in the Missouri State Senate, he worked to cut taxes for working families, improve educational opportunities for Missouri children, and advocate for those with special needs.

He and his wife, Jaime, have three children, Stephen, Sophia, and Olivia.

Josh Hawley will resign from the Office of Attorney General effective January 3, 2019.

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