Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan announced Thursday he won鈥檛 run for reelection this year, and won鈥檛 seek another public office this cycle.
When Donovan was elected the state鈥檚 top law enforcement officer in 2016, many believed he would use the position as a springboard for higher office.
But now, after three terms, Donovan said he鈥檚 ready for a break.
鈥淭he job of attorney general, it's a wonderful job,鈥� he said in a phone interview on Thursday. 鈥淏ut every legal issue in the state you're involved in. And the portfolio is big and you're on 24/7. And for me this past year, I think I kind of hit a wall.鈥�
Donovan didn鈥檛 rule out running for political office in the future.
鈥淚鈥檓 just trying to make this decision and move on and not be on the ballot in 2022,鈥� Donovan said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l see what the future holds.鈥�
On Thursday, Donovan said he鈥檚 had several conversations with people about potential job opportunities but that nothing was finalized.
During his tenure as attorney general, Donovan brought several high-profile lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors during his time in office and tens of millions of dollars in settlements related to those cases.
He鈥檚 also waded into several controversial cases, including re-filing in three high-profile cases after a from Gov. Phil Scott.
Chittenden County State鈥檚 Attorney Sarah George had the cases because she said her office didn鈥檛 have evidence to prove the defendants, in separate cases, weren鈥檛 insane at the time of the alleged crimes.
In another high profile case, Donovan to file charges after investigating allegations that Max Misch, a self-proclaimed white nationalist, harassed former state Rep. Kiah Morris, who鈥檚 Black. Donovan鈥檚 office, in a separate case, charged Misch for a high-capacity firearms magazine.
Prior to becoming attorney general, Donovan spent a decade as the Chittenden County State鈥檚 Attorney. He first ran for the AG's office in 2012 when he challenged then-Attorney General Bill Sorrell in the Democratic primary.
Donovan is the latest in a string of Vermont politicians to announce they were leaving office.
Earlier this week, State Treasurer Beth Pearce she wouldn't seek another term, citing health issues. Secretary of State Jim Condos is also stepping down, and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray is leaving the post to run for Rep. Peter Welch's seat in the U.S. House. Welch is running to take Sen. Patrick Leahy's seat. Leahy announced in that he isn't seeking another term.
Have questions, comments or tips? or get in touch with reporter Liam Elder-Connors .
