Affrunti Resigns as State’s Attorney; Board Appoints Brian Shaw as Successor

Montgomery County Board Meeting | October 14, 2025

Article Summary: Montgomery County State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti has resigned, and the board has appointed First Assistant Brian Shaw to fill the vacancy temporarily. A special election for the unexpired term will take place during the 2026 General Election cycle.

State’s Attorney Appointment Key Points:

• Resignation: Andrew Affrunti resigned effective October 17, 2025.

• Successor: First Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Shaw was appointed to serve as the temporary replacement.

• Election Impact: The resignation triggers a requirement for an election for the two-year unexpired term in 2026.

The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, accepted the resignation of State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti and moved quickly to appoint his replacement.

County Board Administrator Mike Plunkett read Affrunti’s letter of resignation, which was submitted on October 13 and becomes effective at 3:59 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025. Affrunti was present at the meeting, stating it had been an honor to represent Montgomery County and work with the board members.

Upon a motion by Vice Chairwoman Patty Whitworth, the board voted unanimously to appoint Brian Shaw as temporary State’s Attorney, effective at 4:00 p.m. on October 17.

Shaw, a Litchfield resident who has served as the First Assistant State’s Attorney in Montgomery County since April 2025, told the board he has been a prosecutor for 20 years.

County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser explained the electoral implications of the resignation. Because the vacancy occurred mid-term, an election for the two-year unexpired term will be held during the 2026 General Election cycle. Leitheiser noted that petition packets for the March 17, 2026, Primary Election may be filed in her office beginning October 27, 2025.