AG Hunter Taps U.S. Attorney Downing as Associate Attorney General

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced that U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma Tim Downing will join his office as the Associate Attorney General of Oklahoma following his resignation from federal office.

Like its federal counterpart, the Associate Attorney General of Oklahoma advises and assists the Attorney General and his senior leadership in formulating and implementing the office’s policies and programs pertaining to a broad range of civil, criminal, law enforcement, and public safety matters, and oversees key components in the office.

Attorney General Hunter said Downing’s unmatched credentials make him an ideal candidate for this role.

“Tim is a skilled attorney, whose work ethic, integrity and dedication to serving Oklahomans are unparalleled,” Attorney General Hunter said. “I have worked with him for many years, most recently when he served as U.S. Attorney. Our offices partnered on numerous cases, where we successfully held criminals accountable while protecting the public. Among his many accomplishments while in the House of Representatives, Tim served on the Commission on Opioid Abuse, where he helped champion legislation that has aided in the state’s fight against opioid abuse. I am excited for him to join my team and look forward to working with him on issues that help Oklahomans.”

As the U.S. attorney, he was the chief federal law enforcement officer for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Western District of Oklahoma. The Western District of Oklahoma is the largest of three judicial districts in Oklahoma and includes 40 of the 77 counties.

Downing, who previously worked in the Attorney General’s Office from 2011 to 2016, said he looks forward to continuing his state service.

“I am thankful for this great opportunity to come back to the Attorney General’s Office and look forward to working with Attorney General Hunter and his incredible team of attorneys and support staff,” Downing said. “The Office of the Attorney General is unique, and its mission has never been more critical for our state and the wellbeing of every Oklahoman. I appreciate Attorney General Hunter’s confidence in me and for allowing me to serve in this role.”

During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Downing served on multiple advisory committees, subcommittees and working groups, including those related to terrorism and national security, border protection and immigration, domestic violence, and Native American issues.

As U.S. Attorney, Downing’s team prosecuted the most defendants in the history of the office, including the most defendants charged with violent crimes.

Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney in 2019, Downing served in numerous state roles, including as Counselor to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. From 2016 to 2018, he served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he was an assistant majority floor leader, assistant majority whip, and vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee.

From 2009 to 2011, he was a senior law clerk for Jay Sekulow at the American Center for Law and Justice, and in 2009 he served as a legal fellow for United States Senator James Inhofe.

Downing is also currently a judge advocate in the United States Army Reserve.

He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University and Regent University School of Law. He and his wife Lan have been married for 19 years and have four children.

Support from State Leaders

“It’s a real win for Oklahoma to have Tim Downing continue to serve our state. I have known Tim for several years and have always known him to be a man of integrity, character and a true servant leader. He’ll bring great experience to the Oklahoma AG’s Office from his time serving as the U.S. attorney for the Western District. I look forward to working with Tim and Attorney General Hunter moving forward.” – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

“Tim Downing is a great friend, colleague and a dedicated public servant. It was a pleasure to serve with him in the House of Representatives, where we were able to pass legislation that benefits Oklahomans. He is a great addition to the attorney general’s team. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.” – House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka

“I have nothing but positive things to say about my friend and former colleague Tim Downing. Oklahomans should be encouraged by this news because his approach to public service is solely committed to their best interests. From his previous work in the Attorney General’s Office, to his role in the legislature, as U.S. Attorney and now, his heart and mind are dedicated to the betterment of this state. I applaud Attorney General Hunter for this decision. I wish Tim the best of luck in his new position. – Former Oklahoma Secretary of State Michael Rogers