Stateside Taps Erik Castaneda as State AG Scrutiny Intensifies

WASHINGTON, DC – February 27, 2026 – In a strategic move reflecting the growing power of state-level regulators, premier government relations firm Stateside Associates has announced the appointment of Erik Castaneda as its new Vice President of Attorneys General & State Issues Practices. The hire comes as businesses across the country face an increasingly aggressive and coordinated front from state attorneys general (AGs), transforming the compliance and risk management landscape.

Castaneda, who brings nearly a decade of experience from his tenure at 1-800 Contacts, will be tasked with guiding Stateside's clients through the intricate political and policy web woven by state AGs, their senior staff, and their influential national organizations.

Navigating the New Regulatory Gauntlet

The role Castaneda is stepping into has never been more critical. State attorneys general have firmly established themselves as formidable regulatory players, often banding together in multi-state actions to investigate and litigate against corporations. This trend of coordinated enforcement, which has grown significantly in recent years, shows no signs of slowing down.

These bipartisan and single-party coalitions have focused their firepower on a wide range of industries, with consumer protection serving as a primary battleground. AGs are actively pursuing investigations into everything from alleged unfair or deceptive practices (UDAAP) and advertising to data privacy and the marketing of financial products. The financial services sector, in particular, has seen a surge in scrutiny, with states like California, New York, and Pennsylvania leading probes into consumer lending, payment services, and so-called “junk fees.”

This heightened state activity is partially a response to shifting priorities at the federal level. As the focus of federal agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ebbed and flowed, state AGs have stepped into perceived vacuums, often collaborating with these same federal bodies to amplify their impact. For corporations, this means navigating a multi-layered enforcement environment where a single issue can trigger investigations from dozens of jurisdictions simultaneously.

The Bipartisan Bridge-Builder

It is precisely this complex environment that makes a profile like Erik Castaneda’s so valuable. During his time at 1-800 Contacts, he was deeply involved in shaping public policy and influencing regulatory outcomes in some of the most sensitive and dynamic sectors, including healthcare, telehealth, privacy, and consumer protection. His experience is not just theoretical; it is forged from years of direct engagement with the very officials and offices that are now central to corporate government affairs strategies.

Colleagues praise his ability to operate effectively across political divides. "Erik, a true professional in this business, is respected nationally for his intelligence, network of relationships, and policy expertise," said Ethan Wilson, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at Stateside. Wilson, who has known Castaneda for nearly a decade, added, "I've witnessed first-hand Erik's truly unique ability to influence policy and create lasting relationships with elected officials on both sides of the aisle – that, and Erik's magnetic personality and infectious energy."

This reputation for building bipartisan bridges is a critical asset. Castaneda's approach is described as a “business-focused perspective” on engaging attorneys general throughout the entire policy lifecycle, from initial development to multi-state coordination. For his part, Castaneda is focused on applying this experience directly to client challenges.

"I am focused on channeling my experience to strengthen Stateside's ability to deliver actionable solutions for our clients," Castaneda stated. "My hands-on work with attorneys general, their offices, and attorneys general associations will enable me to help clients navigate complex policy landscapes with clarity and confidence."

Johnathan Lozier, Stateside's Senior Vice President and Principal, emphasized the practical impact of this hire. "Erik pairs strategic insight with the real-world advocacy experience necessary to help clients identify and mitigate risk, unlock opportunities, and strengthen Stateside's position as the premier partner for high-impact government affairs support," he said.

A 'Human-Centric' Strategy in Action

Castaneda's appointment is a clear reflection of Stateside Associates' long-standing operational philosophy. Founded in 1988, the firm has built its reputation on a "human-centric" approach that prioritizes deep personal expertise and robust relationships over purely algorithmic or automated solutions. Operating in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Stateside combines its team of veteran issue managers, former legislative staffers, and regulatory attorneys with innovative advocacy tools to serve a diverse client base of corporations, trade associations, and nonprofits.

This model stands in contrast to competitors that may rely more heavily on technology alone. Stateside's methodology is to provide perspective and strategic insight, not just data. The hiring of Castaneda, a known quantity with a proven network and specific subject-matter expertise, is a textbook execution of this strategy. It reinforces the firm’s commitment to providing clients with access to seasoned professionals who can offer nuanced guidance based on real-world experience.

"The addition of Erik reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class strategic guidance to clients," Lozier continued. "His deep industry experience is a perfect match for the evolving needs of our clients. With Erik on board, we will continue to drive client success in every aspect of state and local government, including our nation's state attorneys general."

The Intricate Web of AG Organizations

A key part of Castaneda's role will be engaging with the national groups that facilitate cooperation among attorneys general. Chief among these is the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), the nonpartisan forum that has been instrumental in coordinating some of the most significant multi-state legal actions in U.S. history, including the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and the recent massive litigations against opioid manufacturers.

NAAG and its research and training arm, the National Attorneys General Training & Research Institute (NAGTRI), provide the infrastructure for AGs to share information, develop legal strategies, and pool resources. This allows them to take on large-scale targets that might be beyond the capacity of a single state's office. Understanding the internal dynamics, priorities, and leadership of these organizations is crucial for any effective engagement strategy.

In recent years, NAAG has faced its own internal challenges, including accusations of a partisan shift that led several Republican AGs to publicly depart the organization. This undercurrent of political tension makes the landscape even more complex, further elevating the importance of advocates who, like Castaneda, have a demonstrated ability to work effectively with officials from both parties. His arrival at Stateside signals a clear understanding that in today's regulatory environment, success depends not just on knowing the law, but on mastering the intricate human and political dynamics that shape it.