As Election Day approaches, several progressive district attorneys could face ouster as voters express frustration over soaring crime rates affecting communities across the nation.
In several states, district attorneys known for lenient policies are on the ballot, and polls indicate that crime remains one of the top concerns for voters this year.
A Gallup poll from October 9 shows that 75% of Americans consider crime a “very” or “somewhat” important issue in the 2024 election.
Alameda County, CA: Pamela Price Faces Recall Amid Surging Crime Rates
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is facing a recall after crime rates spiked since she assumed office in 2023. During her tenure, auto thefts more than doubled, while robberies rose by 19%, and burglaries by 14%, according to county data.
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Price has also drawn criticism for offering plea deals to violent criminals, such as in the case of Dijon Holifield and Delonzo Logwood, who received reduced charges despite facing murder allegations. Price’s recall campaign has raised nearly triple the funds compared to anti-recall efforts, with polls indicating a tight race.
Los Angeles County, CA: George Gascón Trailing in Re-election Bid
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón trails independent challenger Nathan Hochman by 30 points. Under Gascón’s leadership, violent and property crime rose by 12% and 15%, respectively, between 2021 and 2023.
Gascón has faced backlash for plea deals that reduced sentences for violent criminals, including Nancy Jackson, who received 20 years instead of 75 for murdering three family members. Gascón received a $4.5 million grant from a Soros-backed PAC for his 2020 campaign.
San Francisco, CA: Brooke Jenkins in Tight Race Against Progressive Challenger
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, appointed after former DA Chesa Boudin’s recall, is now defending her seat against progressive challenger Ryan Khojasteh. Jenkins has raised conviction rates and prioritized harsher sentences, contrasting sharply with Khojasteh’s campaign, which advocates for lower incarceration rates and increased oversight of police.
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Khojasteh is backed by progressive DAs like Larry Krasner and George Gascón, while Jenkins has maintained strong support among local voters, holding a 56% approval rating in June 2022.
Maricopa County, AZ: Tight Race Between Rachel Mitchell and Tamika Wooten
Maricopa County DA Rachel Mitchell, who oversaw a 26% drop in the county’s crime rate from 2021 to 2022, is in a close race with Democratic challenger Tamika Wooten.
Mitchell, backed by the Fraternal Order of Police, faces Wooten, who supports alternatives to incarceration for minor offenses and has been endorsed by Rep. Ruben Gallego. Recent polls show Mitchell with a slight lead.
Harris County, TX: Sean Teare and Dan Simons Compete for DA Seat
In Harris County, Texas, Democratic candidate Sean Teare will face Republican Dan Simons after beating incumbent Kim Ogg in the primary.
Teare’s platform emphasizes reproductive rights, bail reform, and lighter penalties for drug crimes, and he has garnered $1.7 million in campaign support, much from a Soros-affiliated PAC.
As voters head to the polls, crime remains a pivotal issue, with left-leaning district attorneys facing considerable challenges in their re-election bids.
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