OAKLAND COUNTY– Karen McDonald, the Oakland County Prosecutor who has defined her career by fighting for families and kids, released the following statement regarding fellow candidate Mark Totten’s announcement to drop his bid for Michigan Attorney General:
“I have incredible respect for anyone who campaigns for statewide office in our current polarized political environment, including Mark Totten, because I know how hard it is to put yourself out there in front of voters day after day. While we did not always agree, I know Mark ran for Attorney General for the right reasons, to protect Michigan from an administration in Washington that is trampling on our rights every day.
“With so much at stake in this campaign right now, it’s imperative that we unite as a party ahead of the November election. I look forward to finding opportunities to talk to those who supported Mark and find ways we can come together.”
About Karen McDonald: Karen was elected Oakland County Prosecutor in 2020 and is committed to protecting victims of crime, improving outcomes for juveniles and families, and increasing fairness across the criminal justice system. Karen’s early initiatives have included reviewing the files of every pending juvenile lifer case in Oakland County, and establishing a Trafficking Unit, a Hate Crimes Unit, and a Conviction Integrity Unit. Prior to her election as Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen was an Oakland County Circuit Court judge from 2012 to 2019. As a judge, Karen specialized in family matters – including divorce and custody, child abuse and neglect, and adoption.
Karen began her career as a high school English teacher in Midland where she was a proud union member. Her experience teaching sparked her lifelong commitment to kids. Karen was raised in Portland, Michigan, alongside her two sisters. She now lives in Birmingham with her husband. Together they raised five children.
Contact: press@mcdonaldforag.com
January 27, 2026
