Andrea Campbell, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, pointed to mental health, gun control and the opioid crisis as issues she would prioritize if elected as the state’s lawyer and top law enforcement official in November.
“The AG's office has the tools and the resources to ensure folks have access to behavioral health services that are accessible and affordable,” she said on Greater Boston. “And in addition, to really work with local leadership to address the opioid crisis and homelessness.”
Campbell bested two opponents on the Democratic ballot on Sept. 6. She will face Republican Jay McMahon, a Cape Cod attorney who ran unopposed in the primary, in the Nov. 8 general election.
Primary turnout statewide was about 22 percent, and Campbell said she will aim to engage more voters before November.
“So many places feel left out, left behind,” Campbell said. “I also have to stress the importance of investing in civic engagement, starting at the school level, but also the infrastructure in communities of color.”
McMahon has challenged her to seven debates — a strategy he suggested could give him a platform and raise his profile, he said in an interview with MassLive.
Campbell has not formally accepted the offer, but told GBH’s Morning Edition on Wednesday that she is “not opposed to” a debate.
“It's just not at the top of my list right now,” she said.
Campbell pointed to an Aug. 24 candidate forum hosted by the Worcester County Bar Association and Quinsigamond Community College which included her, McMahon and two Democratic candidates now out of the race: Quentin Palfrey, who dropped out shortly before the primary, and Shannon Liss-Riordan, whom Campbell defeated last week.
“The sad part is very few people saw it [the debate] because there wasn't mainstream media present. But it's available for folks to see online. And I think people should absolutely take a look at that,” she said.
She outlined the differences between her and McMahon. “There are definitely major distinctions between me and my Republican opponent,” Campbell said. “Not only the lived experience I bring, but also the legislative background — which is going to be significant in protecting our residents. Along with a legal background, I started my career representing children in education cases for free, and I worked in state government as an attorney.”
If elected, Campbell said she would propose the establishment of a gun enforcement unit within the AG's office to change gun enforcement from a consumer protection lens to a law enforcement lens that targets issues like ghost guns and gun hoarding. She said there are people in Massachusetts getting around the state's assault weapons ban, so gun laws should be strengthened.
"There's a lot the office can do along with addressing community violence," Campbell said.
When asked about other hot topics in the state right now, Campbell said she supports drivers' licenses for immigrants, and she also supports the Fair Share amendment, which would tax millionaires at a higher rate.
WATCH: Andrea Campbell on her bid to make Massachusetts history as the next Attorney General
