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Pennsylvania’s Progressive Incumbents Face Key Primary Challenges in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

Voters decide the futures of DA Larry Krasner and Mayor Ed Gainey in tightly contested Democratic primaries influenced by ideological divides and significant outside funding.

Pittsburgh mayoral candidate Corey O'Connor, left, and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.
FILE - Pittsburgh mayoral candidate Corey O'Connor speaks at a candidate's forum held at Perry Traditional Academy in Pittsburgh, April, 24,. 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
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Overview

  • Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner seeks a third term, facing a law-and-order challenge from former judge Pat Dugan, with crime policies and prosecutorial reforms central to the debate.
  • Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, the city’s first Black mayor, defends his progressive agenda against Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, who emphasizes fiscal discipline and public safety.
  • Both races have drawn millions in outside funding and endorsements, with labor unions and political action committees split between the candidates.
  • The Philadelphia GOP has launched a write-in campaign to nominate Dugan as the Republican general election candidate, potentially positioning him for a broader challenge to Krasner in November.
  • Results from today’s primaries will signal the strength of progressive versus moderate platforms within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterms.