By James Williams, Editor-in-Chief

Philadelphia, PA — In a closely watched race that carried both local and national implications, incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner won the Democratic nomination for a third term, defeating challenger Pat Dugan in the 2025 primary election.

According to unofficial results from the Philadelphia City Commissioners, Krasner secured 61.67% of the vote (81,642 votes), while Dugan, a Municipal Court Judge and former Marine, garnered 38.25% (46,959 votes). With no Republican candidate officially filed for the general election, Krasner is now positioned to cruise into another term.

“Philadelphia voters made clear that our city remains committed to reform, fairness, and justice,” Krasner told supporters on election night. “We’ve reduced unnecessary incarceration, exonerated the wrongfully convicted, and are tackling gun violence head-on with smarter strategies.”

Krasner’s campaign focused heavily on defending his progressive record against a growing national wave of conservative backlash. He pointed to declining homicide rates and recent investments in community-based violence prevention as evidence that reform and public safety can coexist.

Pat Dugan ran a campaign critical of Krasner’s policies, arguing that the city needed a tougher stance on crime and a reset of priorities. Though he received support from more moderate and law enforcement-aligned constituencies, he ultimately fell short.

Notably, the Philadelphia GOP launched a last-minute write-in campaign to draft Dugan as a general election candidate, but Dugan has since confirmed he will not pursue a Republican run.

This victory not only solidifies Krasner’s place at the helm of Philadelphia’s justice system but also signals a continued mandate for criminal justice reform in one of the nation’s largest cities. As other progressive prosecutors around the country face recall efforts and reelection battles, Philadelphia stands out as a city doubling down on change.