Incumbent Lawrence Krasner (D) and Patrick F. Dugan (D) are running in the Democratic primary for district attorney of Philadelphia on May 20, 2025.
WHYY Radio’s Carmen Russell-Sluchansky wrote, “The contest pits two competing philosophies against each other: Krasner’s commitment to continuing to overhaul a historically punitive system and Dugan’s pledge to restore a sense of safety.” No Republican candidate has filed to run in the general election, meaning the primary winner will be unopposed in November.
Krasner was first elected in 2017. Krasner is campaigning on his record, and his website says, “During his first two terms, Larry has focused on the most serious crimes in Philadelphia while working to address the root causes of violence. The results: Murders are down more than 25% from his first year in office even as he has cut sentences in half.” He is also campaigning against President Donald Trump’s (R) administration. At his campaign launch, Krasner said, “We are going to make sure that [Trump’s] little plan to take over America fails. This election is a whole lot bigger than Philadelphia.”
Dugan is a former justice on the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Dugan’s campaign website says he would “[p]ersonally engage with communities, law enforcement, and victims to ensure justice is served, expand resources for diversionary programs, job training, and education, [and] always prioritize the safety and well-being of Philadelphia’s residents.” Dugan supports a plan to change the structure of the district attorney’s office, and his website says he “will restructure the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office into six divisions, each focused on a specific region of the city. Every division will be led by a senior prosecutor responsible for justice in their area.”
City & State Pennsylvania‘s Harrison Cann wrote, “Each candidate will attempt to paint a different picture of the city, with Krasner likely to boast about declining homicide and violent crime rates, while Dugan could hone in on public sentiment that the city doesn’t feel safe.” Dugan is critical of Krasner’s handling of retail crime, saying, “Wawas are closing. They’re closing in Center City… the reality of it is it’s because [Krasner’s office] couldn’t control the retail theft.” Krasner says the city has seen a reduction in homicides during his tenure: “We had the largest percent reduction in homicides in Philadelphia’s history… We led the nation among big cities in terms of the improvements in public safety last year… We’re in our fifth year of being on this track of homicides, going down and down and down.”
Philadelphia Republican Party chair Vince Fenerty said Dugan was “a fine gentleman and an excellent judge [who] would be honest, fair, and open-minded.” Additionally, reporters have speculated on whether national Republican figures would get involved in opposition to Krasner. The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Anna Orso discussed the potential for Elon Musk to get involved in the race: “All eyes are on Elon Musk… [Musk] has said he may use his fortune to target progressive prosecutors… There’s no indication Musk is involved in this race, but there’s plenty of time before the May 20 primary.”
The district attorney of Philadelphia is responsible for charging and prosecuting accused criminals. The office decides what offenses someone will be charged with and can also determine sentencing via plea deals.
In addition to the district attorney, Philadelphia voters will also vote for other municipal offices in 2025. To learn more about those elections, click here.