Attorney General
After a five-way Democratic and two-way Republican primary, the field of candidates for Pa. Attorney General has shrunk, although four third-party candidates will also appear on the ballot. Eugene DePasquale, a Pittsburgh native, is the Democratic nominee running on criminal justice reform, gun safety, and human rights. Dave Sunday, the Republican candidate, believes in harsh prosecution while creating pathways for prisoners to re-enter society. The third-party candidates span the political spectrum.
Eugene Depasquale
Biography
Pittsburgh native and current resident. Widener Law grad. Former two-term Pennsylvania Auditor General (2013-2021) and three-term state representative. Formerly worked for Department of Environmental Protection. University of Pittsburgh professor.
Carceral Reform
Pledges to deprioritize minor and non-violent offenses. Claims father was a formerly incarcerated felon and has firsthand knowledge of the “impacts and domino effect” of incarceration.
Drug Policy
Supports legalization of recreational cannabis, saying it would bring in valuable revenue. Favors “robust engagement with treatment and rehabilitation programs” to curb opioid epidemic.
Gun Control
Views gun violence as the “most urgent public safety concern.” Supports gun control legislation including universal background checks — vows to work with law enforcement on gun violence prevention and enforcement while restoring community trust.
Election Security
Wants consistent ballot-curing procedures statewide. Does not support expansion of voter ID rules. Says, “I would be honored to defend laws that expand voting access.”
Dave Sunday
Biography
York County District Attorney since 2018 and former chief deputy prosecutor. Oversaw capital cases. Navy veteran. Penn State law and finance grad.
Carceral Reform
Describes criminal justice approach as “accountability and redemption.” Aims to lower recidivism rate. Started re-entry coalition to assist ex-offenders. Campaign website touts a 30% crime reduction and 40% prison population reduction in his first term.
Drug Policy
Opposes legalization of recreational cannabis while saying it is a legislative issue. Wants to crack down on drug rings. Supports collaborative approach to rehabilitation involving nonprofits, medical institutions, and local churches.
Gun Control
Believes in prosecuting gun violence to fullest extent of the law. Founded Group Violence Intervention team to reduce gang violence and address root causes of crime.
Election Security
Affirms the fairness of the 2020 election. Pledges transparency in ballot-counting and electoral procedure. Says decisions about voter ID fall to the Pa. General Assembly.
Third Parties
Biography
Justin Magill (Constitution): Erie native. Lawyer. Eric Settle (Forward): Bryn Mawr resident. Healthcare layer and former consultant to Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge. Richard Weiss (Green): Pittsburgher. Lawyer. Rob Cowburn (Libertarian): Pittsburgher. Lawyer.
Carceral Reform
Magill: “Lesser crimes may be sufficiently addressed with restitution.” Settle: Agrees with “trend towards leniency in the area of minor drug offenses.” Weiss: Supports “using restorative justice as an alternative to incarceration.” Cowburn: Unknown
Drug Policy
Magill: Favors hands-off approach. Settle: Supports legalizing recreational cannabis. Weiss: Supports legalizing recreational cannabis and expunging criminal records. Cowburn: Wants to legalize all drugs.
Gun Control
Magill: Favors hands-off approach. Settle: Unknown Weiss: Supports assault weapons ban and tighter regulations. Cowburn: Favors hands-off approach.
Election Security
Magill: Would prosecute officials who don’t follow election law. Settle: Would defend election law as written with a focus on constitutionality. Weiss: “Paper ballots. Hand marked. Hand counted. On camera. Make Election Day a holiday.” Cowburn: Supports “electoral reforms that break the stranglehold of the two-party system.”
This article appears in Oct 16-22, 2024 and Election Guide (Late 2024).
