Six district attorneys supported by George Soros-funded initiatives will face re-election in 2025 and 2026. These prosecutors, often labeled as “soft on crime,” have implemented progressive policies that critics argue have contributed to surges in crime and declining public safety. With public frustration mounting over issues like violent crime, theft, and repeat offenders, these elections could serve as a referendum on the criminal justice reform movement spearheaded by Soros-backed candidates.
Here’s a closer look at the DAs and their controversial records:
- Alvin Bragg (Manhattan, NY): Bragg made national headlines for downgrading serious charges, such as armed robbery, to misdemeanors. His critics accuse him of focusing more on pursuing politically charged cases—such as his indictment of former President Donald Trump—than addressing Manhattan’s escalating violent crime rates. Bragg’s policies on non-prosecution of certain offenses, including some theft and resisting arrest cases, have frustrated law enforcement and business owners, who say these decisions create a culture of lawlessness.
- Larry Krasner (Philadelphia, PA): Krasner is perhaps the most polarizing figure in progressive prosecution. His refusal to prosecute certain low-level crimes and his focus on reducing incarceration have been met with sharp criticism as Philadelphia battles record-high homicides. His office has also been accused of lawfare tactics, particularly targeting police officers and other critics of his reforms. A Republican-led impeachment effort in Pennsylvania highlights the extent of his unpopularity among some lawmakers.
- Joe Gonzales (Bexar County, TX): Gonzales has embraced a reform agenda that prioritizes alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses. However, his reluctance to prosecute certain drug-related crimes has drawn criticism as Bexar County struggles with drug trafficking and addiction. Critics argue his policies create a revolving door for criminals who return to the streets with minimal accountability.
- John Creuzot (Dallas County, TX): Creuzot sparked controversy when he announced his office would not prosecute certain thefts under $750 if the offender was in need. This policy, intended to address poverty-driven crime, has drawn backlash from businesses that say it encourages shoplifting and other petty crimes. Creuzot’s critics also point to his focus on lawfare against conservative political opponents rather than tackling violent crime in the Dallas area.
- Brian Middleton (Fort Bend County, TX): Middleton’s elimination of cash bail for many offenses has been criticized for allowing repeat offenders to commit crimes shortly after their release. His policies have raised concerns about public safety in Fort Bend County, particularly as residents report increasing violent incidents.
- Jacqueline Sartoris (Cumberland County, ME): Although Sartoris operates in a smaller jurisdiction, her progressive policies mimic those seen in larger urban areas. Her leniency in drug cases and property crimes has drawn criticism as Maine experiences increasing opioid-related incidents.
A Growing Concern About Public Safety and Lawfare
Many of these Soros-backed DAs have come under fire not only for their leniency but also for their use of prosecutorial power to target political opponents. Critics argue that these prosecutors are prioritizing ideology over justice, using their offices as tools for political lawfare. Alvin Bragg’s indictment of Donald Trump is cited as a prime example, with detractors accusing him of engaging in politically motivated prosecutions while failing to address rising crime rates.
The broader progressive criminal justice reform movement, fueled by Soros-aligned organizations, has championed decarceration and reduced prosecution of certain offenses as solutions to systemic inequities. However, opponents argue these policies have disproportionately harmed low-income and minority communities, where crime often rises when offenders face little or no accountability.
As these DAs approach their re-election bids, they are likely to face strong challenges from opponents who will make rising crime and the misuse of prosecutorial discretion central campaign issues. Voters in these areas, weary of increasing lawlessness and feeling unsafe in their communities, may demand a return to stricter law-and-order policies. Whether these Soros-backed prosecutors can defend their records and convince voters to extend their mandates remains to be seen. The stakes for public safety, justice, and political accountability have rarely been higher.
