Election 2024: PA Attorney General Race Focuses On Guns, Drugs

PENNSYLVANIA —Four years ago, Josh Shapiro won the general election for the state's Attorney General. He's now the governor and a potential Democratic candidate for president.

After Shapiro became governor, he appointed Democrat Michelle Henry to replace him.

But Henry is not running for election, opening the door for Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat, and Republican Dave Sunday, and four other candidates to serve as the Commonwealth's chief law enforcement officer in the Nov. 5 general election.

The attorney general's duties include prosecuting organized crime and public corruption, collecting debts, taxes, and accounts due to the state, and representing Pennsylvania and its agencies in court, according to Ballotpedia.

DePasquale and Sunday recently squared off in a debate to introduce themselves to voters and also separate themselves on key state issues.

First, let's meet the candidates:

Dave Sunday, Republican

• Sunday is the District Attorney of York Couty, leading an office that investigates and prosecutes over 9,000 cases a year.
• He's endorsed by the PA Fraternal Order of Police, the PA State Troopers Association, and the PA Sheriffs Association PAC.
• Sunday is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Persian Gulf in Operation Desert Strike.
• He's a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in finance. He also has a degree from the Widener School of Law
• Sunday is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, American Legion, and the VFW.
• He lives with his wife and son in Spring Garden Township, York County.

For more information visit www.davesundayforag.com or on FB at DaveSundayforDistrictAttorney

Eugene DePasquale, Democrat

• DePasquale was Pennsylvania's Auditor General from 2013 to 2021.
• He served in the state House and chaired the York County Democratic Party.
• DePasquale is a lawyer, former York City economic development director, and three-term state representative.
• He lives in Pittsburgh,

During the debate, DePasquale focused on his experience leading the state Auditor General’s office where he led investigations, while Sunday focused on his experience as a prosecutor in York County.

ABC 27 covered the debate, stating that the issues debated by the two candidates included how to reduce gun violence, stop the spread of dangerous drugs, and the growing issue of artificial intelligence.

Both candidates also pledged to serve two terms if elected and not seek higher office. Two of the last three Pennsylvania governors elected had previously served as Attorney General.

Sunday emphasized his 15 years as a prosecutor in York County, a Republican-majority area with about 460,000 residents south of Harrisburg.

DePasquale said he would prioritize protecting voting and emphasized his support for abortion rights.

DePasquale said he has “serious concerns” about capital punishment, while Sunday said that in the “most sad, tragic, terrible cases” he supports the death penalty.