Five of South Philadelphia’s seven voting wards voted overwhelmingly in favor of Larry Krasner in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for district attorney, as the incumbent DA cruised to victory in a not-particularly-close race against challenger Carlos Vega. Krasner overcame significant enthusiasm for Vega both in South Philly and in the city as a whole, particularly in white communities, which, in the end, proved to be a very vocal minority.
The 26th Ward, which includes all of South Philly south of Passyunk and west of Broad Street, was the only one to overwhelmingly vote in favor of Vega. The 39th Ward, which includes all of South Philly south of Mifflin Street and east of Broad Street, was the closest race, with Vega beating out Krasner 56.6 percent to 43.3 percent. The full breakdown, with 98 percent of ward divisions reporting, is below:
Ward 1
Krasner: 68.3
Vega: 31.6
Ward 2
Krasner: 76.2
Vega: 23.7
Ward 26
Krasner: 27.8
Vega: 72.1
Ward 30
Krasner: 78.4
Vega: 21.5
Ward 36
Krasner: 82.9
Vega: 17.0
Ward 39
Krasner: 43.3
Vega: 56.6
Ward 48
Krasner: 79.4
Vega: 20.5
Reclaim Philadelphia, which endorsed Krasner, touted the victory of the incumbent district attorney and rejection of the Fraternal Order of Police, the city’s police union.
“We rejected the corrupt politicians, judges and the Fraternal Order of Police who only offer more police and more prisons — instead of real solutions — to our communities,” said Reclaim’s political director, Amanda McIllmurray. “We know that reimagining community safety takes time, but what we’ve shown tonight is that when working Philadelphians come together, we all win.”
On social media, Krasner called the election “a mandate from all over the city. From every type of Philadelphian.”
“Now we have 4.5 more years to bring about deep, systemic change,” he added.
Vega thanked his supporters on Twitter, “and most especially the victims of crime who bravely stood up when the establishment, the celebrities and the media decided they wouldn’t listen.”
Throughout the campaign, Vega had the backing of the FOP and heavily criticized Krasner for what he thought was his role in the city’s rise in homicide rates. The evidence cast significant doubt on that argument, however, since the rising homicide rate has been a national trend in major U.S. cities; it was not unique to Philadelphia.
Citywide, Krasner defeated Vega by a 66.4 to 33.5 margin. Krasner will face Republican challenger Chuck Peruto in the November general election.
