Candidate name: Julianne E. Murray

Party: Republican

Age: 52

Hometown: Seaford

Political experience: Assuming political experience refers to offices held, the answer is none.

Professional experience: Practicing attorney since 2012.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office? 

I am not a career politician, nor am I connected to any special interest groups that I will “owe.” I am down-to-earth, a good communicator and am highly driven. Additionally, I have unique insight into how to prosecute because I was a criminal defense attorney from 2015-20.

What are the top three issues for this office in your view? 

Public safety, crime and guns in the hands of criminals.

What changes would you make to Delaware’s gun laws?

Bearing in mind that the job of the attorney general is to enforce the law and not to make laws, I wholly disagree with my opponent’s position that gun control equals crime control. Prosecution equals crime control. I do not agree with the General Assembly’s most recent restrictions on gun ownership and believe these restrictions to be unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Delaware Constitution of 1897.

What does Delaware need to do to best address the opioid epidemic?

We must address the epidemic from more than one standpoint. First, we have to find and prosecute drug dealers to the fullest extent of the law. Second, we need to address why people are turning to opioids in the first place and address the underlying issues. Third, we need to have robust treatment for those that truly want to overcome addition.

How would you protect or change abortion rights in the state?

Again, the job of the attorney general is to enforce the law — not engage in policy. Abortion is legal in Delaware.

Are there any new initiatives or changes you would bring to the office? 

There are several. First, I will prosecute gun crimes instead of dropping 85% of the charges. Second, I want to address recidivism by creating a coalition between the Department of Correction, Probation, trade schools and businesses to increase education and job skills to address reentry issues for inmates. Third, I want to bring back the Fugitive Safe Surrender program to allow people with outstanding warrants to safely clear their warrants.