Delaware County’s lead prosecutor joins PA attorney general race as fifth Democrat
Jack Stollsteimer Announces Run for Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2024
Jack Stollsteimer, the highly regarded top prosecutor in Delaware County, has officially declared his candidacy for Pennsylvania attorney general in 2024. Making the announcement on Monday, Stollsteimer aims to secure a position that played a crucial role in defending Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential battleground.
Stollsteimer joins a competitive Democratic primary field, where he stands out as the sole elected prosecutor. However, his opponents for the Democratic nomination boast extensive experience on the campaign trail and in the courtroom.
Highlighting his tenure as the twice-elected district attorney of Delaware County, Stollsteimer plans to emphasize his qualifications in his campaign for attorney general. Situated between Philadelphia and Delaware, Delaware County is Pennsylvania’s fifth-most populous county.
Stollsteimer’s Unique Qualifications
“I am uniquely qualified because I do that work every single day in the fifth-largest county in Pennsylvania,” Stollsteimer stated in an interview.
Prior to his current role, Stollsteimer has served as a federal prosecutor in Philadelphia, a high-ranking official in the state Treasury Department, and the state-appointed safety advocate in Philadelphia’s schools. Additionally, he worked as a senior aide to state House Democrats before attending Temple University for his law degree.
The attorney general’s office, responsible for law enforcement in the state, operates with an annual budget of approximately $140 million. Its key responsibilities include combating drug trafficking, fighting against gun trafficking, defending state laws in court, and safeguarding consumers from predatory practices.
Furthermore, the office played a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of Pennsylvania’s 2020 presidential election against numerous attempts by Donald Trump’s campaign and Republican allies to overturn the results in both state and federal courts.
One of Stollsteimer’s notable achievements is his successful fight against gun violence in the economically disadvantaged city of Chester. Through a partnership model that has proven effective elsewhere, he has connected offenders and known criminals with job training, educational opportunities, and community-building programs. As a result, gun homicides have decreased by 68% since 2020, and there has been a 65% reduction in shootings.
During his tenure as Philadelphia’s state-appointed safe schools advocate, Stollsteimer faced opposition from district officials and the state Department of Education due to their reluctance to report violent incidents.
Championing Honesty and Accountability
“Things have gotten worse, not better,” Stollsteimer expressed in a 2011 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. “You can’t address the problem until you’re honest about it, and the district is not honest about it.”
In 2015, Stollsteimer briefly campaigned for attorney general but withdrew before the primary. However, in 2019, he made history by becoming the first Democrat to hold the position of district attorney in Delaware County, which was previously dominated by Republicans. Stollsteimer secured reelection earlier this month with a 22-point margin, garnering support from unions representing building trades and law enforcement.
One of the most high-profile cases during Stollsteimer’s tenure involved the prosecution of three police officers who opened fire at a car, resulting in the tragic death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility and the injury of two others, following a shooting outside a high school football game.
Stollsteimer is now the fifth Democrat to announce his candidacy, joining state Rep. Jared Solomon, former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn, and Keir Bradford-Grey, the former head of Philadelphia’s and Montgomery County’s public defense lawyers. On the Republican side, York County District Attorney Dave Sunday and former federal prosecutor Katayoun Copeland have also declared their candidacies.
Candidates must file their paperwork by February 13 to appear on the primary ballot scheduled for April 23.
It is worth noting that Attorney General Michelle Henry has confirmed that she will not seek reelection.
In addition to combating gun violence, what other issues does Stollsteimer aim to prioritize as Pennsylvania attorney general
Other gun-related crimes.
If elected as Pennsylvania attorney general, Stollsteimer intends to expand upon his successful approach in combating gun violence to make it a statewide effort. He plans to work closely with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing gun-related crimes and ensuring public safety.
In addition to his focus on gun violence, Stollsteimer aims to prioritize issues such as criminal justice reform, combating the opioid epidemic, protecting voting rights, and holding accountable those who commit white-collar crimes and public corruption.
“I am committed to defending the rights and safety of all Pennsylvanians,” Stollsteimer 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑. “Whether it’s prosecuting violent criminals, advocating for equitable criminal justice policies, or protecting our democracy, I will fight tirelessly to uphold the values of fairness, justice, and accountability.”
Stollsteimer’s announcement for his candidacy has been met with positive responses from his supporters, who highlight his experience and dedication to public service. Many see him as a strong contender in the race for Pennsylvania attorney general, given his track record and accomplishments.
As the 2024 election approaches, Stollsteimer’s campaign will face the challenge of standing out among a competitive field of Democratic candidates. However, his unique qualifications as an elected prosecutor and his commitment to promoting justice make him a compelling choice for Pennsylvania voters.
If successful in securing the Democratic nomination and winning the general election, Stollsteimer will inherit the responsibility of leading the attorney general’s office and continuing the fight for justice, fairness, and the protection of Pennsylvanians’ rights.
As the race for Pennsylvania attorney general unfolds, all eyes will be on Jack Stollsteimer and his campaign, watching as he makes his case to voters and works towards securing a position that enables him to make a meaningful impact on the state’s legal landscape.
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