Robert Marion McKenna (born October 1, 1962) is an American attorney and former politician who served as the 17th attorney general of the State of Washington from 2005 to 2013. A member of the Republican Party, McKenna previously served on the Metropolitan King County Council (1996‑2005) and was the Republican nominee for governor of Washington in the 2012 election, which he lost to Democrat Jay Inslee.
Early life and education
McKenna was born at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the son of an Army officer. He spent his childhood on U.S. military posts in Germany, Thailand, California and Kansas before his family settled in Bellevue, Washington, when he was 14. He graduated from Sammamish High School in 1980 and earned dual bachelor's degrees in economics and international studies from the University of Washington, where he was elected student‑body president (1984‑85) and inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He received a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1988.
Legal career
After law school, McKenna practiced business and regulatory law at the Seattle firm Perkins Coie from 1988 to 1996. He later joined the Washington‑based firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he represents technology and other companies in matters involving cybersecurity, data privacy, litigation, and regulatory issues.
Political career
King County Council – Elected in 1995, McKenna represented the 6th district (including Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Newcastle and parts of Renton) from January 1996 until his resignation in January 2005 to become attorney general. He was re‑elected without opposition in 1999 and 2003 and received “Outstanding” ratings from the Municipal League.
Attorney General of Washington – Serving two terms (2005‑2013), McKenna was the most recent Republican to hold the office. His tenure focused on consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and cybersecurity. He also served as president of the National Association of Attorneys General.
Gubernatorial campaign – McKenna secured the Republican nomination for governor in 2012 but was defeated by incumbent Jay Inslee.
Later activities
Following his service as attorney general, McKenna returned to private practice at Orrick. He remains active in public policy discussions, particularly on technology regulation and tax policy, and has been a vocal opponent of Washington’s “millionaires tax” legislation.
Personal life
McKenna is an Eagle Scout. He has been married twice, first to Marilyn McKenna (divorced 2016) and subsequently to Amy McKenna (married 2020). He has four children.
