Seattle city attorney candidates clash over crime policy

Axios

3 days ago

A competitive four-way race pits Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison against three challengers who say her approach is too punitive and fails to address the root causes of crime.
Why it matters: The Aug. 5 primary will decide which two candidates move on to the November general election.
Context: The city attorney prosecutes misdemeanors and helps shape the city's criminal justice policies, while representing the city in civil cases.
State of play: Davison, who was elected in 2021, faces three opponents, all running to her left.
Although the city attorney role is nonpartisan, Davison ran for statewide office as a Republican in 2020.
All of her opponents identify as Democrats.
Zoom in: Former U.S. assistant attorney Erika Evans left her job as a federal prosecutor earlier this year, citing opposition to Justice Department changes under President Trump.
Nathan Rouse, a public defender who previously worked in private practice, has made ending cash bail for low-level offenses a key piece of his campaign platform.
And Rory O'Sullivan, who represents workers seeking unemployment benefits, says his work on Seattle's Democracy Voucher program and successful ranked-choice voting push show he can help deliver big reforms.
What they're saying: All three challengers disagree with Davison's 2023 decision to shut down Seattle's community court, which offered people resources and a chance to get their cases dismissed.
They've emphasized the need for additional services — such as housing and drug treatment — to help reduce recidivism.
They also have criticized Davison's push to create "stay out" zones that ban people accused of prostitution or drug offenses from certain areas, calling the policy ineffective.
The other side: Davison said her efforts have helped "eliminate open air drug markets" and combat sex trafficking, particularly on Aurora Avenue North.
Between the lines: While campaigning, Davison has emphasized ways she's opposed Trump, including joining a lawsuit over the administration's threats to cut funding to cities that don't comply with federal immigration enforcement.
The big picture: It's unusual to have a four-way primary race that's this competitive, political consultant Crystal Fincher told Axios.
All three challengers are credible and "could have a really good shot" at beating Davison in the general election, she said.