[VT – Philadelphia] May 15, 2025 -Former Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Pat Dugan is running in the Democratic primary for Philadelphia District Attorney, where one candidate will be chosen from two. As one of the leading contenders, Dugan is challenging the incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner. Drawing on his extensive experience in judicial reform and his background as a military veteran, Dugan is campaigning on a platform to “restore safety and public trust in justice.”
Biography and Educational Background:
Pat Dugan was born in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia and grew up in the Frankford community in the city’s Northeast. Raised by a single mother alongside four siblings, he attended St. Joachim Elementary School where he earned the Gino’s Scholarship for academic excellence. He then went on to St. Joseph’s Preparatory High School. After serving in the military, Dugan enrolled at Rutgers-Camden Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Professional Career:
Dugan is a seasoned judge with over seventeen years of trial experience. He was appointed as a Philadelphia Municipal Court judge in 2007 by then-Governor Ed Rendell, elected in 2009, and successfully re-elected in 2015 and 2021. He served as the court’s President Judge from 2019 until resigning in 2024 to run for District Attorney.
Dugan is a dedicated advocate for judicial reform and founded the nationally recognized Veterans Court, which reduced recidivism rates to below 10% through diversion programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully led the court through the challenges of virus disruptions, social unrest, and emergency lockdowns. He authorized the implementation of the Eviction Diversion Program, which helped more than 46,000 families avoid homelessness by distributing nearly $300 million in rental assistance. This program was legislated as a permanent city policy in 2024. Dugan was also appointed in 2022 as one of nine members of Pennsylvania’s Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee by the state Supreme Court.
Policy Platform:
Pat Dugan advocates for stronger prosecution of violent crime while expanding judicial diversion and social support for non-violent offenders. He proposes restructuring the District Attorney’s office into six regional units staffed with senior prosecutors to enhance accountability and improve public trust. He emphasizes close collaboration with law enforcement, victims, and community stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of Philadelphia residents.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements:
Pat Dugan is running as a Democrat and has earned support across party lines, including public praise from Philadelphia Republican Chair Vince Fenerty for his commitment to judicial fairness and integrity. A military veteran, Dugan enjoys strong backing within veteran communities and from frontline workers.
Democratic Executive Committee Wards
7, 8, 14, 16, 19, 23, 25, 26, 31, 33, 39B, 41, 45, 47, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66A, 66B
Labor Unions
- Construction & Engineering Unions
- Philadelphia Building Trades Council
- Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 835
- Firefighters & Paramedics Unions
- International Association of Firefighters & Paramedics Local 22
- Transportation & Workers Unions
- Transport Workers Union SEPTA Bus Drivers Local 234
- Transport Workers AFL-CIO Local
- Other Unions
- Teamsters Joint Council 53 — Local 107, Local 830, Local 415, Local 628
- Steamfitters Local 420
- Plumbers Local 690
- Sprinklerfitters Local 692
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
- Roofers Local 30
- Insulators Local 14
- Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1
- International Association of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 592
- Iron Workers Local 401
- Iron Workers Local 405
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 13
- International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 5
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 654
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 269
- Insulators Local 89
- Communications Workers of America District 2-13 and Local 13000
- International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1291
Elected Officials
- City Council
- Mike Driscoll — District 6
- PA State Senate
- Tina Tartaglione — District 2
- PA State House
- Amen Brown — District 10
- Sean Dougherty — District 172
- Pat Gallagher — District 173
- Ed Neilson — District 174
- Jared Solomon — District 202
Pat Dugan will appear on the May 20, 2025 Democratic primary ballot as Pat Dugan [20].
