Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joined REVIVE Radio for an in-depth conversation about his re-election campaign, voter turnout, and his vision for justice reform. First elected in 2017 and taking office in 2018, Krasner was recognized for his progressive platform, which focuses on ending mass incarceration, rebuilding community trust, and enhancing police accountability.
Now seeking a third term on November 4th, Krasner faces a unique opponent, Judge Pat Dugan, who once ran as a Democrat and is now the Republican candidate. “He called himself a lifelong Democrat,” Krasner said. “But the GOP started a write-in campaign for him after no one else wanted to run. So here we are, a Democrat-turned-Republican.”
Krasner spoke honestly about low voter turnout. Only 17% of eligible voters participated in the May primary, a number that continues to concern many city constituents. “It sounds bad, but context matters,” he explained. “When Lynne Abraham and Seth Williams were DA, turnout was often 9 to 12%. When we ran in 2017, it jumped to 19%, and then to 20% four years later. So yes, we need to do better, but there’s more civic engagement now than before.”
Legacy and reputation have taken a rollercoaster ride for most politicians in Philadelphia, but for Krasner, reform isn’t about reputation. It’s about results. “I hope I don’t care too much about my reputation,” he said. “It’s about the work and the receipts. We have the lowest number of homicides in over 50 years, crime is down in most categories, and incarceration is down, too. We’re proving you don’t have to lock everyone up to make a city safer.”
When asked about Mayor Cherelle Parker’s “One United Philly” vision, Krasner expressed optimism. “I have a ton of respect for the mayor and the police commissioner,” he said. “We don’t always agree, but collaboration is strong. We’re seeing real synergy with the FBI, ATF, and even with the state’s Republican Attorney General. Public safety is improving because of cooperation.”
Krasner also highlighted his office’s community investment programs, which use seized drug money to fund grassroots organizations. Over the past six years, the DA’s office has distributed over $5 million to small, underfunded community groups, with some receiving as little as $5,000 to $50,000 to support youth mentorship, writing programs, and violence prevention efforts. “These are folks who’ve been doing the work for free for decades,” he said. “Now, they’re growing and getting larger grants from the city and foundations. It’s seed money for change.”
Krasner’s Conviction Integrity Unit has helped exonerate more than 45 people. “We look at every case brought to us,” he said. “Sometimes the evidence shows we got it wrong. When that happens, we fix it. Last year, Philly accounted for 10% of all U.S. exonerations.”
Krasner also addressed youth justice, pushing back on claims that juvenile crime is rising. “It’s not true anymore,” he said. “Juvenile crime is actually down, and diversion programs are part of that success. We want to hold kids accountable without branding them for life.”
As Election Day approaches, voters are encouraged to pay attention to judicial races as well. “Judges matter,” he emphasized. “The DA may get the headlines, but judges make critical daily decisions. Take time to learn who’s on your ballot.”
And when asked about his stance on Philadelphia’s former status as a sanctuary city, Krasner didn’t hesitate. “Tearing families apart isn’t justice,” he said. “If actions by ICE or anyone else are unconstitutional, I’ve taken an oath to fight that.”
Krasner thanked the community, grateful for Philadelphians efforts to improve the city, and stated, “he’s not quitting, no retreat.”
Election Day in Philadelphia is November 4th.
