A Minnesota County Attorney surprised many this week by announcing she will not seek re-election and suggesting she was ‘shamed’ into stepping down.
Mary Moriarty, 61, a former chief public defender who became Hennepin County’s first openly gay County Attorney in 2022, confirmed she will not run again in 2026, hinting that relentless criticism heavily influenced her decision.
‘The stories that generally come out are not what the office is doing, or why,’ Moriarty told the Minnesota Star Tribune in a candid interview.
‘It’s been, “I’m controversial and I’m doing this thing”… It has been hard on the office and certainly hard on my family, me, all of that.’
Moriarty has faced criticism over several high-profile decisions throughout her tenure, including offering plea deals to teenagers involved in the murder of Zaria McKeever and charging Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb.
However, the murder charges against Londregan were later dropped following recommendations from outside counsel, the Star Tribune reported.
Her tenure also drew federal scrutiny when the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into her office for suspected civil rights violations after she implemented a policy directing prosecutors to consider racial identity during key charging and plea deal decisions.
The move, defended by Moriarty as data-driven, drew bipartisan concern.
Mary Moriarty, 61, a former chief public defender who became Hennepin County’s first openly gay county attorney in 2022, confirmed she will not run again in 2026, hinting that relentless criticism heavily influenced her decision
Moriarty has faced criticism over several high-profile decisions throughout her tenure. Pictured: Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Criticism has come from both Republicans and Democrats, often grouping her with other progressive prosecutors nationwide.
When asked if the unwanted attention influenced her decision to step down, Moriarty described herself as ‘one of the most stubborn people on the face of the earth.’
Still, she admitted the sustained attacks ‘felt personal’ and argued the media overlooked the effectiveness of her data-driven approach.
‘The things that people feel free to say and write, yeah, that’s hurtful,’ she said. ‘But they have never been able to talk [about] or criticize our data points at all.’
Labeled ‘controversial’ throughout her tenure, Moriarty said stepping aside will help shift the spotlight away from her and back onto the office’s work.
‘I think it has been a real disservice to our community and to our office,’ she said.
Moriarty ran on a platform of progressive criminal justice reform and won by 16 points.
‘When I campaigned there were all kinds of attacks on me, but I won by 16 points,’ she said.
‘That was because I talked about a new way of doing things in the system that were actually more equitable, they were more trauma-informed, they were more about what actually keeps us safe. I firmly believe voters will again elect somebody who has those values and intends to do the actual work. I feel comfortable with that.’
Despite the controversies, Moriarty maintains her policies are making a measurable difference, citing a decline in carjackings and auto thefts in Minneapolis following the launch of a youth-focused intervention initiative.
Her unexpected announcement is set to change local political circles, where Hennepin County attorneys traditionally serve long terms.
Her predecessor Mike Freeman served in the role for 24 years, and Amy Klobuchar served there for eight years before pivoting to the U.S. Senate.
Following Moriarty’s resignation announcement, Hennepin County Commissioner and Board Chair Irene Fernando (pictured) expressed support for her colleague
Following Moriarty’s resignation announcement, Hennepin County Commissioner and Board Chair Irene Fernando expressed support for her colleague.
‘County Attorney Mary Moriarty has been a tireless fighter for justice in an increasingly unjust world. I’ve been grateful for her partnership to date,’ Fernando said.
‘I’m certain that our partnership will continue as we work in our respective positions to ensure better outcomes for residents through the remainder of her term. I’m grateful for the Attorney’s leadership and tenacity. There is still a lot we will accomplish together in the next 18 months,’ the commissioner added.
Looking ahead, Moriarty said she is considering teaching and continuing her podcast, ‘We Don’t Have to Choose,’ which explores criminal justice issues.
‘I think I can influence in different ways when I’m done,’ she said.
Moriarty will remain in office through January 2027.
