The District Attorney serves as the county’s chief prosecutor and law enforcement officer. This election sees 25-year incumbent Stephen A. Zappala Jr. running against former county chief public defender Matt Dugan. During May’s primary election, Zappala, a longtime Democrat, lost to Dugan while successfully campaigning for the Republican nomination. High-profile donors means this race serves as a stand-in for a larger national debate about criminal justice.
Matt Dugan
Bio: Former Allegheny County Chief Public Defender. Moon Township resident and school board member. Duquesne Law School alumnus and current adjunct professor. Campaign and website highlight record of public service, initiatives to provide free expungements, efforts to help clients through bail hearings, and other projects.
Crime and Downtown Pittsburgh: Echoed a plan laid out on his website during the debate and said the county should carry out “targeted enforcement of open-air drug transactions” while adding a designated magisterial district judge to oversee Downtown cases and to direct those in need to treatment and other assistance.
Systemic Racism and Diversion: Acknowledged “stark racial disparities” in Allegheny County, citing the Allegheny County Jail population. Vowed to regularly provide public data online. Had “sharp exchange” with Zappala regarding prosecutor Mark Tranquilli, who resigned over alleged racist behavior. Supports diversion for low-level offenders.
Shuman Juvenile Detention Center: Agreed with Zappala’s goals of increased support and education for youth but argued the need for “a locked-down, secure facility” to prevent more serious crimes.
Endorsements: Many Democratic officials and organizations including Sen. John Fetterman, Rep. Summer Lee, Allegheny County Democratic Party, Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood, One Pa., and Steel City Stonewall Democrats. Backed by the Pennsylvania Justice and Public Safety PAC, funded by George Soros.