【VT – Philadelphia】May 15, 2025 – Incumbent Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner [21] will seek re-election in the Democratic primary on May 20, 2025. This election will select one candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the November general election.
Candidate Background
Born on March 30, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri, Larry Krasner is the son of William Krasner, whose parents were Russian Jewish immigrants, and Juanita Frazier, an evangelical Christian minister. He graduated from Conestoga High School in 1979, earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1983, and received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1987.
Professional Background
After passing the bar exam, Krasner returned to Philadelphia and worked as a public defender. In 1993, he established his own law firm and practiced as a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia for 30 years, specializing in civil rights cases and frequently representing protesters pro bono. Following the 2000 Republican National Convention, he represented approximately 400 arrested demonstrators, most of whom were eventually acquitted.
In January 2018, Krasner took office as the 26th District Attorney of Philadelphia, becoming one of the first U.S. district attorney candidates to run as a self-described “progressive prosecutor.” He campaigned on a platform to reform elements of the criminal justice system and reduce incarceration. During his seven years in office, he has implemented several reform policies, including ending criminal charges for minor marijuana possession, eliminating cash bail requirements for certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, reducing supervision for parolees, seeking more lenient sentences for particular crimes, and pursuing police misconduct while advocating for greater police accountability.
Policy Positions
As District Attorney of Philadelphia, Larry Krasner has prioritized reforming the criminal justice system by reducing mass incarceration and focusing enforcement efforts on individuals who pose the greatest risk to public safety. He has worked in collaboration with law enforcement at the city, state, and federal levels, emphasizing that lasting public safety is rooted in accountability and systemic change.
Over the past eight years, Philadelphia has experienced a decline in violent crime indicators. The city’s murder rate is now more than 25% lower than when Krasner first took office. Overall crime has decreased at a rate that exceeds the national average. His administration has also pursued police accountability, leading to the prosecution and conviction of officers involved in perjury, corruption, and abuse of power.
Krasner has placed a strong focus on integrity in prosecutions, which has contributed to the exoneration of nearly 50 wrongfully convicted individuals. His office reports a 50% reduction in projected incarceration days, citing both fiscal savings for taxpayers and benefits to communities impacted by over-policing. Juvenile justice reform has been a key part of his agenda, resulting in a 70% decrease in youth incarceration through investment in rehabilitation programs rather than punitive sentencing.
Looking ahead to a potential third term, Krasner has outlined several policy priorities. These include expanding alternatives to traditional prosecution, ending excessively harsh sentencing, and eliminating cash bail in favor of expanded pre-trial release. He supports treating gun violence as a public health crisis and aims to continue holding public officials accountable for misconduct.
Krasner also pledges to strengthen support for victims, prevent wrongful convictions, and advocate for legislative reforms that promote fairness and equity. His platform includes efforts to reduce racial disparities within the justice system, ensure equal treatment of immigrants, safeguard democratic processes, and advance more humane approaches in the juvenile justice system.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements
Krasner is affiliated with the Democratic Party. During his first campaign in 2017, he received a $1.45 million contribution from billionaire George Soros through a political action committee. Throughout his career, Krasner has represented members of Black Lives Matter and Occupy Philadelphia movements, which led many to consider him an “anti-establishment” candidate during the Democratic primary campaign.
Krasner has secured endorsements from numerous Philadelphia Democratic Wards, including Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 27, 28, 29, 32, 36, 38, 39A, 40B, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 59, and 61. Additionally, he has received support from the following elected officials:
- Dwight Evans, U.S. House Representative for the 3rd District
- Anthony H. Williams, PA Senate (District 8)
- Nikil Saval, PA Senate (District 1)
- Sharif Street, PA Senate (District 3)
- Vincent J. Hughes, PA Senate (District 7)
- Ben Waxman, PA House (District 182)
- Elizabeth Fiedler, PA House (District 184)
- Rick Krajewski, PA House (District 188)
- Morgan Cephas, PA House (District 192)
- Christopher M. Rabb, PA House (District 200)
- Jason Dawkins, PA House (District 201)
- Andre D. Carroll, PA House (District 179)
- Jamie Gauthier, Philadelphia City Council (District 3)
- Curtis J. Jones Jr., Philadelphia City Council (District 4)
- Kendra Brooks, Minority Leader, Philadelphia City Council
- Rue Landau, Philadelphia City Council
- Nicolas O’Rourke, Minority Whip, Philadelphia City Council
Ballot Information
Larry Krasner will appear on the Democratic primary ballot on May 20, 2025, listed as [21]. Voters will select one candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the November general election.
