(The Center Square) – With the federal government stepping in to tackle crime in America’s largest cities, the race for Philadelphia’s District Attorney is heating up – and the city’s public safety concerns are at the forefront of the campaign.
The Forward Party, founded by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, announced its endorsement of Judge Pat Dugan in the race for Philadelphia’s top prosecutor on Tuesday.
Dugan, a lifelong Philadelphian, Army veteran, and former president judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court, ran against two-term incumbent Larry Krasner in the May primary. Although he was defeated by a 64% to 36% margin, he will again be fighting for the seat on Nov. 4, but this time as the Republican nominee.
With no primary candidate, the city’s GOP encouraged its members to write in Dugan, and he exceeded the threshold necessary to clinch the nomination.
“Pat Dugan embodies what Forward stands for: commonsense leadership that puts people and communities ahead of party labels,” said Kayla Berube, Forward’s national political director. “Philadelphians deserve a District Attorney who prosecutes violent crime fairly while expanding innovative diversion programs that actually help people rebuild their lives. Pat has proven he can deliver real results without the partisan games.”
Forward says Dugan created nationally recognized programs like Veterans Court and Eviction Diversion Court, which helped 46,000 families avoid eviction while ensuring landlords received over $300 million in payments.
Additionally, he was recently appointed to the newly created Judicial Ethics Advisory Board by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
“His record shows a commitment to both accountability and compassion, offering second chances and help to those in need while protecting communities from violent offenders,” the organization said.
Dugan told The Center Square via email that he’s honored to have earned the Forward Party’s support.
“Forward’s backing sends a clear message to Philadelphia that I am the commonsense candidate in this race, putting policy before politics,” he said. “Most Americans want the same things, yet our two-party system continues to pit us against each other,” he said. “I’m running to bring safety, fairness, and justice – things that all Philadelphians want, regardless of their political leanings – to our great city.
“Under my leadership, the District Attorney’s Office will embrace restorative justice, listen to and protect victims, and prosecute violent criminals. I’m asking all Philadelphians to join me in putting party politics aside so we can save lives and turn our city around – together.”
His campaign has earned endorsements from labor organizations across the city, including Teamsters Joint Council 53, IBEW 98, Firefighters and Paramedics Local 22, Sprinkler Fitters 692, TWU 234, Steamfitters 420, Plumbers 690, and many others who recognize his dedication to keeping Philadelphia safe and fair.
Krasner’s campaign site says he is running on results: murders are down more than 15% from his first year in office, even as he has cut sentences by half.
While the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, chaired by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, also reports that violent crime numbers are down, some state legislators contend the decline is due to underreporting.
“I’m not running for any political party. I’m running as a Philadelphian for everyone in our city. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Forward Party, non-voters, those who can’t vote yet – I’m running to serve everyone,” said Dugan. “This campaign is about restoring safety, fairness, and opportunity in every neighborhood. I’ve served my country and my city, and now I’m ready to serve again by making Philadelphia’s justice system work for everyone.”
Forward has endorsed a number of candidates running for office in Pennsylvania in the current election cycle – reaching across party lines.
