FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: media@naag.org
Washington, D.C., December 16, 2024 – The National Association of Attorneys General elected New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella as president of the association during its annual Capital Forum meeting held December 9-11.
“I am honored to lead this important organization at a time when it is crucial for Attorneys General to unite, regardless of party, to protect our communities. In an era of political division, our ability to collaborate and work across party lines is more essential than ever,” said Attorney General Formella. “As state leaders entrusted with upholding the law, we have a unique opportunity to tackle critical issues like the opioid crisis and drug trafficking. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference, uphold justice, and ensure the rule of law serves all Americans.”
In addition to electing Attorney General Formella as NAAG President, the Association elected the following officers:
- President-Elect: William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General
- Vice President: Marty Jackley, South Dakota Attorney General
- Immediate Past President: Leticia James, New York Attorney General
Each year, the NAAG president identifies an issue for the National Association of Attorneys General and its members to focus on and prioritize. Attorney General Formella announced his Presidential Initiative at the group’s Capital Forum. It is entitled, “Building on the Opioid Litigation Success: AGs Leading the Fight Against Substance Abuse and Drug Trafficking.”
The 2025 NAAG Presidential Initiative focuses on advancing the work started with opioid litigation, where Attorneys General (AGs) from across the country have held accountable parties responsible for the opioid crisis. This initiative aims to leverage the success of those efforts to address the ongoing threats posed by fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs.
AGs will explore strategies to support law enforcement, enhance prevention and treatment, address the intersection of substance abuse and mental health issues, and foster collaboration with the private sector to combat drug trafficking. Through this initiative, AGs will strengthen local, state, and federal partnerships, promote criminal justice reforms, and utilize opioid settlement funds to support enforcement and recovery efforts. The initiative provides a platform for AGs to share best practices, overcome state-specific challenges, and drive continued progress in the fight against substance abuse.
New Association President and New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella has served as the state’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer since 2021. During his tenure, he has overseen high-profile homicide cases, including the successful prosecutions of the Harmony Montgomery and Stephen and Wende Reid murders. Formella expanded the State’s Cold Case Unit, resolving long-standing investigations, and strengthened the Drug Enforcement Unit, securing significant sentences for fentanyl traffickers. He also created the Northern Border Alliance Task Force to enhance public safety along New Hampshire’s Canadian border. Formella has initiated lawsuits and investigations into social media companies like Meta and TikTok to address youth mental health concerns. His office has also focused on combating human trafficking, improving victim services, and strengthening protections for civil rights, elder abuse, and election integrity.
Formella has negotiated significant legal settlements, including a $40.5 million agreement with Johnson & Johnson over the state’s opioid claims, a $25 million settlement with Monsanto for PCB contamination, and a $21 million settlement with Centene over claims related to pharmacy benefit services. He has championed consumer protections through antitrust lawsuits against companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple.
Before becoming Attorney General, Formella served as Governor Chris Sununu’s Legal Counsel, advising the Governor on many significant legal and policy issues. Prior to his public service, Formella began his legal career at Pierce Atwood LLP, one of Northern New England’s largest law firms, where he was part of the Business and Environmental Law practice groups.
Attorney General Formella is a Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Florida State University and graduated with honors from George Washington University Law, where he was a member of the George Washington University International Law Review.
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The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) is the nonpartisan national forum for America’s state and territory attorneys general and their staff. NAAG provides a community for members to collaboratively address issues important to their work and resources to support attorneys general in protecting the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
