Dan's leadership philosophy was shaped by his parents' contrasting worldviews—his mother, a Green Party member, and his father, a Republican. Rather than seeing these differences as obstacles, Dan learned to identify common ground while respecting diverse approaches to achieving shared goals – an attitude that shapes his leadership style. 

As Oregon's Attorney General, Dan is focused on strengthening community safety, protecting seniors and working families, and upholding Oregon's values and the rule of law. 

Dan attended Tigard High School and earned his undergraduate degree at Western Oregon University. He attended Willamette University’s law School and was admitted to the Oregon Bar in 2006. Dan spent 18 years in private practice working on consumer protection cases, and served in the legislature for a decade representing the City of Corvallis. 

In the legislature, Dan spent four years as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means committee before being elected Speaker of the House. His tenure as Speaker was marked by significant achievements and a commitment to advancing the health and economic well-being of Oregonians, from enacting the nation’s strongest abortion protections to unprecedented investments in Oregon’s semiconductor industry, education, and housing. 

Dan lives in Corvallis with his wife Amanda and his son Adam.

The Legislature created the Office of Attorney General in 1891. The Department of Justice was later established by the Legislature in 1947 and is the equivalent of the state’s law firm. The attorney general is the chief law officer of the state and heads the Department of Justice. The agency has a staff of approximately 1,300 with 10 legal and 13 child support offices throughout the state.

The attorney general appears in and represents the state in all court actions and legal proceedings in which the state of Oregon is a party or has an interest. This includes proceedings involving elected and appointed state officials, state agencies, boards and commissions. He appoints assistant attorneys general to act as counsel for state agencies, boards and commissions.

When requested by the governor, any state agency official, or any member of the Legislature, the attorney general gives legal opinions upon any question of law in which the state or any public subdivision may have an interest. Unless expressly authorized by law, the attorney general and her assistant attorneys general may not render opinions or give legal advice to any other persons or agencies.

The attorney general writes ballot titles for measures to be voted upon by the people of Oregon and defends them in the Oregon Supreme Court. 

The department advocates for and protects all Oregonians, especially the most vulnerable, such as children and seniors. More than 350 state laws confer numerous responsibilities and authorities to the attorney general. Those responsibilities include supervision of charities, enforcement of antitrust laws, assistance to the state’s district attorneys, administration of the state’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, investigations of organized crime and public corruption, and the establishment and enforcement of child support obligations for Oregon families.​