Challenger in district attorney race Dugan drops out of planned candidates forum at WHYY

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Incumbent Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Patrick Dugan were invited to meet again for a high-stakes debate at WHYY on April 22. However, WHYY News learned Wednesday that Dugan has backed out of the event.

Planning for the forum started in February between WHYY News, the Committee of 70, and the Philadelphia Bar Association and the two candidates confirmed their attendance in March. Later, the Dugan campaign told the event’s organizers that Dugan would not be attending after Krasner reportedly declined another public event.

Organizers said the event will go on with or without Dugan.

Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of Committee of 70, called it a missed opportunity.

“We need to give voters every chance to hear from the candidates,” she said. “The media interest in this race is good for democracy because previous elections have seen turnouts of only 20 to 30% and the only way we’re going to increase that is by increasing the attention put on it. We strongly encourage both candidates to give the voters every opportunity to learn more and earn their votes.”

Progressive vision vs. law-and-order platform

The race between Krasner and Dugan is partly a clash of personalities but also a referendum on the city’s approach to justice. Krasner, a nationally known progressive prosecutor first elected in 2017, is seeking a third term after rolling out reforms that include reduced incarceration rates, declining to prosecute certain low-level offenses and increased police oversight.

“[Our] vision is of a criminal justice system that makes things better, that is just, that is based on preventing crime, and is based on building up society rather than tearing it apart,” Krasner said in a speech at his first election night party.

Dugan, a retired Municipal Court judge and former Army paratrooper, has positioned himself as a more traditional, tough-on-crime alternative. He has criticized Krasner, saying the incumbent has failed to effectively prosecute crime, has not held repeat offenders accountable and has let the city’s crime rates increase.

“It’s a silent majority. People are fed up. People are fed up in Center City. They’re fed up in Northwest, they’re fed up throughout the city because they are not safer,” he said after the last forum. “They don’t feel safer. They don’t sit on their steps feeling safe. This is not about ideology. It’s about safety.”

Debates have been heated — and personal

The forum comes on the heels of a series of combative encounters between the candidates. In a West Philadelphia debate last month, tensions flared when Krasner questioned Dugan’s political affiliations, implying a connection to Republican President Donald Trump. Dugan bristled at the accusation, forcefully rejecting the suggestion and calling it a distraction from real issues.

“We’re not running against Donald Trump,” Dugan retorted. “We’re running against each other. Stop running against Trump and run on the safety of the city of Philadelphia.”

Another debate at String Theory School on Vine Street focused on retail theft and gun violence. Dugan attacked Krasner’s handling of shoplifting cases, arguing that lax enforcement has emboldened thieves. Krasner countered by pointing to systemic causes and argued that harsh prosecution of minor offenses does little to curb serious crime.

Referendum on progressive DAs

With the primary just weeks away, Tuesday’s event is one of the last major opportunities for voters to compare the candidates side by side. The outcome could have national ripple effects, as Philadelphia remains a focal point in the debate over criminal justice reform and as cities reflect on progressive prosecutors they have elected over the last several years, a movement Krasner is seen as leading.

The public may watch the debate on livestream via WHYY’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. A limited number of seats are available in person. You must register here and receive a confirmation email to gain entry to the forum.

The April 22 district attorney forum is presented by the following partners: WHYY News, Philadelphia Bar Association, Committee of Seventy, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, The Forum of Executive Women and League of Women Voters.