Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner fended off a Democratic primary challenge but could face Judge Pat Dugan again in November if Republican write-in votes clear the threshold.

Primary Victory with General Election Uncertainty

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has secured victory in the Democratic primary, overcoming a challenge from Judge Pat Dugan in a closely watched race within the overwhelmingly Democratic city. The contest was considered one of the most competitive for a top prosecutor position this year.

Despite Krasner’s win, the November general election may still bring a rematch. If Dugan, who appeared on the Democratic ballot, receives at least 1,000 valid Republican write-in votes, he would qualify to run as the GOP nominee, offering voters another opportunity to unseat Krasner.

The Republican Party, historically sidelined in Philadelphia since the 1950s, actively encouraged voters to support Dugan by write-in. The Philly GOP launched a website instructing voters on how to write in Dugan’s name on the Republican line. “This is about making crime in Philadelphia illegal,” said Philly GOP Chair Vince Fenerty in a public statement.

Campaign Divides on Crime and Justice Reform

Dugan’s candidacy attracted support from several Democratic ward committees, state Senator Tina Tartaglione, and labor unions such as the Teamsters and the IAFF. Central to his platform was a “geographic prosecution plan” designed to intensify neighborhood-level accountability and public trust in the criminal justice system.

“This plan is about more than just fighting crime – it’s about rebuilding communities,” Dugan emphasized in a campaign statement. He pledged to balance accountability with second chances and to restore faith in fair prosecution across all city neighborhoods.

Krasner, currently pursuing a third term, has drawn intense criticism for his progressive reforms. Since taking office, he has declined to prosecute minor offenses like marijuana possession, eliminated cash bail for select charges, and limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. His refusal to honor ICE detainers and his stance that such cooperation is unconstitutional have fueled opposition among conservative critics.

Although homicide rates decreased in 2023, the city experienced a surge in killings from 351 in 2018 to 562 in 2021 under Krasner’s tenure. His administration has also received significant political action committee funding—about $1.45 million—from groups linked to billionaire George Soros, which has become a flashpoint in debates over outside influence and local criminal justice.

Krasner previously faced impeachment proceedings initiated by Republicans in the Pennsylvania House. However, in 2023, a Commonwealth Court judge ruled that the Senate could not conduct a trial due to the inadequacy of the articles of impeachment presented by the House. Despite this, opinions about Krasner remain sharply divided.

State Senator Doug Mastriano, the 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee and a vocal political figure, commented on Krasner’s continued support: “Philadelphia: They want Krasner – they like him. That’s a huge mandate.”

Meanwhile, Dugan has seized on public dissatisfaction, citing what he calls “Krasner fatigue.” Speaking to local media, Dugan shared, “Many people come up to me and tell stories about how upset they are with some of the policies with the DA's office.”

As write-in tallies are finalized, attention now turns to whether Dugan will qualify to appear on the November ballot—potentially turning Philadelphia’s district attorney race into a high-stakes referendum on justice policy and public safety in one of America’s most closely scrutinized cities.