James B. Rutledge III, a Republican attorney from Harford County, is running for Maryland attorney general on Nov. 3, 2026.

He faces Democrat Anthony G. Brown. Rutledge said on his campaign website that he would prioritize cracking down on crime and holding polluters accountable.

The policy positions below are drawn from Rutledge's responses to the Baltimore Sun candidate questionnaire and his campaign website. They reflect the candidate's own statements.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Residence: Harford County, Maryland
  • Education: Juris doctor, with honors, Order of the Coif, University of Maryland (1986); bachelor's degree in Latin, University of Georgia (1983)
  • Law licenses: Maryland and Georgia, according to his firm's website

Rutledge said he is a lifelong Marylander raised on a cattle farm in Harford County, according to his Baltimore Sun questionnaire response.

Experience and public service

Rutledge has held both elected and appointed positions, according to the Baltimore Sun, BallotReady and Wikipedia's compilation of the 2026 race:

  • Commissioner, Bel Air Town Board (2023–2025)
  • Special master, Baltimore City Orphans' Court
  • Member, Judicial Nominating Commission
  • Attorney, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston
  • Attorney, Jim Rutledge Esq LLC

Rutledge ran for U.S. Senate in Maryland in 2010.

For more than a decade, Rutledge said, he concentrated on civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts, handling torts, wrongful death, contracts, divorce, estates, trusts, business, antitrust, fraud and complex commercial litigation, as well as substantial work in civil rights and constitutional law. His practice over the past 20 years has emphasized estate planning, wills, trusts, estate and trust administration, real estate, agricultural, corporate and business law, according to his firm's website.

On the issues

Criminal justice and public safety

Rutledge said he would focus on cracking down on gangs, fentanyl distribution and organized crime networks. He said he would target cybercriminal networks involved in identity theft, ransomware attacks and financial fraud.

He also said he would pursue online predators who exploit children and vulnerable individuals through social media and digital platforms, and protect seniors from phone scams, phishing schemes and fraudulent investment operations that wipe out life savings.

Rutledge said he supports ending what he called the revolving door of repeat offenders by pursuing meaningful sentencing. He said he would fully support local prosecutors and law enforcement officers and protect small businesses and families from theft, violence and disorder.

Environment and the Chesapeake Bay

Rutledge said he would hold polluters accountable with enforcement actions under Maryland law rather than waiting for Washington to act. He said he would take on out-of-state polluters who contribute to Bay contamination, using every legal tool available to protect Maryland's interests.

He said he would defend conservation and agricultural preservation easements to ensure Marylanders can grow food for Marylanders, and strengthen partnerships with federal agencies to enforce clean water standards across state lines. Rutledge said he would defend Maryland watermen and local industries whose livelihoods depend on a clean and thriving Bay.

Endorsements

Rutledge has been endorsed by Maryland Right to Life, according to Wikipedia's compilation of the 2026 race.