Who Is Bruce Beemer, Pennsylvania's New Attorney General? Governor Tom Wolf Nominates Kathleen Kane's Replacement

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf may have found his attorney general replacement in Bruce Beemer. Wolf recently announced he was nominating the state's current inspector general for the position, which was formerly held by Kathleen Kane.

As previously reported, Kane was convicted Tuesday on nine criminal charges after a grand jury found her guilty of perjury and criminal conspiracy.

Following her conviction, Kane announced Wednesday she would step down from her post. Wolf, who had called for Kane’s resignation back in 2015 when she was initially accused of leaking confidential grand jury documents to discredit a political rival, released a statement shortly after her resignation announcement and said he would be working with both state Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to narrow down a suitable replacement.

“Bruce Beemer has a depth of experience, he has the respect of the employees of the Office of the Attorney General, and I have no doubt that he will make this transition seamless and smooth,” Wolf said in a statement released on Thursday. “I have spoken with Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate, and we have agreed that Bruce is the right fit for Attorney General at this time, and I am confident that he will be confirmed expeditiously. Bruce earned a reputation across the commonwealth as a tough prosecutor, effective administrator and thoughtful legal mind, which is why I appointed him Inspector General. I have great faith in his ability and know that he will serve efficiently and effectively as Attorney General. I also want to thank Bruce Castor for his service to the office, and I wish him well moving forward.”

If confirmed, Beemer will return to his role as inspector general upon completion of his service as attorney general.

Beemer was appointed inspector general just a month ago after his predecessor Grayling Williams resigned to take an out-of-state law enforcement position.

Before becoming inspector general, Beemer was a first deputy in the Office of the Attorney General, where he worked with Kane’s team regarding operations in the Criminal, Civil, and Public Protection Divisions. He also served as a lead advisor to the former attorney general and was responsible for nearly 800 employees who worked in the office.

Beemer was formerly an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law from 2005 to 2011 where he taught trial advocacy to third year law students. He also served as a Board Member for the Center for Victims of Violent Crime before he was appointed as Chief of Staff for the office of Attorney General under former Attorney General Linda Kelly in 2013.

Beemer is a University of Scranton alumnus. He also studied post-grad at University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He lives in Bradford Woods, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jodi Beemer, and their two children.