Pamela Jo Bondi, born November 17, 1965, in Tampa, Florida, is an American attorney and politician. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida in 1987 and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1990. Bondi began her legal career as a prosecutor and spokeswoman in Hillsborough County, Florida, serving as an assistant state attorney. In this role, she handled high-profile cases, including the prosecution of former Major League Baseball player Dwight Gooden in 2006.

In 2010, Bondi was elected as Florida’s 37th Attorney General, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She served two terms from 2011 to 2019. During her tenure, Bondi focused on issues such as combating human trafficking, opioid abuse, and consumer protection. She also gained national attention for her involvement in legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act and her opposition to same-sex marriage.

After leaving office, Bondi joined the lobbying firm Ballard Partners and registered as a foreign agent representing the government of Qatar. In 2020, she was part of President Donald Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial. By 2024, Bondi led the legal arm of the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute.

On November 21, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Bondi as the United States Attorney General, following the withdrawal of previous nominee Matt Gaetz. Her nomination has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters highlight her extensive legal experience and previous role as Florida Attorney General. Critics point to her past political positions and affiliations, raising concerns about potential partisanship in the Department of Justice.

Bondi’s confirmation process is expected to involve thorough scrutiny of her record and positions on key legal issues. If confirmed, she would oversee the Department of Justice, influencing federal law enforcement priorities and legal interpretations on a national scale.

In her personal life, Bondi has been married twice. She married Garret Barnes in 1990; the couple divorced after 22 months. In 1996, she married Scott Fitzgerald; they divorced in 2002. As of 2024, Bondi does not have any children.

Bondi’s career reflects a trajectory of significant legal and political roles, with her potential appointment as Attorney General marking a notable advancement in her public service.