Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner won Tuesday’s Democratic primary, according to projections by the Associated Press. Since no Republican candidates are registered for the general election in November, Krasner has a clear path to serve a third term as the city’s top prosecutor.
Krasner defeated former municipal judge Pat Dugan by a wide margin. Dugan had launched a strong campaign backed by substantial financial support and the influential Philadelphia Building Trades Council, a coalition of construction-related labor unions. However, his efforts to unseat Krasner fell short.
During his victory speech, Krasner made a lighthearted reference:
«I think in Kansas City they would like to call it a ‘three-peat.’ But in Philly, we do call it a ‘three-peat’,» he said, referring to the Kansas City Chiefs’ failed attempt to win a third consecutive Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.
For his part, Dugan posted a statement on social media congratulating his opponent:
“For the sake of our neighborhoods, our families, and the soul of this city—I truly hope he succeeds.”
It’s worth noting that Krasner, a progressive prosecutor, campaigned on promises to make the city “safer and freer.”
In an interview before the primary with local media outlets Impacto and Univision 65 Philadelphia, Krasner reaffirmed his commitments on several key issues:
On the case of Eddie Irizarry:
“What I can say is that we believe justice should apply to everyone, including the police.”
On the opioid crisis in Kensington:
“We need to enforce the laws, but also apply strategies.”
On sanctuary city policy and immigrant safety:
“What I try to do is protect that community like every other community, according to the laws of the Constitution.”
Who Is Larry Krasner?
Larry Krasner began his legal career as a public defender in Philadelphia in the late 1980s and founded his own law firm in 1993. As district attorney, he focused on supporting victims, exonerating innocent people, reducing mass incarceration, and holding police accountable, according to his campaign.
In 2021, he was re-elected with 71.8% of the vote in the general election, defeating Republican Chuck Peruto. That same year, he won the Democratic primary with 66.8% of the vote against Carlos Vega.
During his second term, Republican legislators in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives attempted to impeach Krasner over his policies, but the state Supreme Court ruled that the articles of impeachment had expired.
Critics argue that Krasner should be tougher on crime. However, Philadelphia police data shows a steady decline in homicides and violent crime since 2021.
What Does a District Attorney Do?
The district attorney (DA) is responsible for prosecuting crimes within the county and works in collaboration with law enforcement to ensure that laws are upheld and the public is protected.
The DA has authority over criminal investigations and prosecutions, including hearings, trials, plea deals, and appeals.
Election Process Continues
As part of the official vote count, the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office announced that the tabulation of both valid and challenged ballots will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, at their office located at 11311 Roosevelt Boulevard, and will continue until completed.
If necessary, hearings will be held to resolve challenges to absentees, mail-in, or provisional ballots.
For more details, visit the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ official page.
Sources: Associated Press, Instagram judgeduganforda, Instagram larrykrasner, Philadelphia City Commissioners Office.
