International Association of Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 22 and Transport Workers Union Local 234 have endorsed Pat Dugan for district attorney.
Dugan is challenging District Attorney Larry Krasner in the May 20 Democratic primary. The challenger was a Municipal Court judge for 17 years, including serving as president judge from 2019-24.
The announcement was made at TWU 234 headquarters at 500 N. 2nd St.
Local 234 was represented by president Brian Pollitt and secretary-treasurer Joe Coccio.
Pollitt said his front-line members have not felt safe in the seven years since Krasner became district attorney.
“Our bus drivers have paid the price,” Pollitt said.
Pollitt said lawlessness and what he sees as a lack of prosecution have led SEPTA to install bullet-resistant glass enclosures for drivers.
“Judge Pat Dugan will always have our backs,” he said.
Local 22 president Mike Bresnan said the endorsement was made after weighing who would be better for the safety, protection and well-being of members and their families. He framed the race as being order vs. disorder and blamed Krasner for reducing and withdrawing charges, including in cases where Local 22 members have been victims of assaults.
Bresnan recalled a comment Krasner made in late 2021, saying Philadelphia does not have a crime crisis, even though 562 people were murdered that year.
“It’s time to take our city back from the criminals,” Bresnan said.
Bresnan said Dugan is “the only choice to restore public safety.” He hopes his Republican members switch their party identification to vote for Dugan.
Dugan said he’ll accept support from anyone.
“Everybody in the city is affected by crime,” he said. “I want votes from every walk of life in Philadelphia.”
Dugan said Krasner does a poor job communicating with crime victims, adding he’ll make it a priority.
The challenger is confident of victory.
“We’re going to win this race, folks,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dugan’s campaign announced raising $610,500, with $423,700 cash on hand. Much of Dugan’s haul came from the Building Trades. ••
