Larry Krasner Wins Philadelphia District Attorney Race

PHILADELPHIA – Larry Krasner is Philadelphia's next District Attorney in his defeat of Beth Grossman in Tuesday's election.

By about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Associated Press deemed Krasner, an outspoken liberal Democrat and longtime civil rights attorney, the winner.

By that time, Krasner had a substantial lead over Republican Beth Grossman.

Krasner earned support from celebrities, such as Penn grad John Legend, but also received harsh criticism from Philadelphia's largest police union, Lodge 5 of the Fraternal Order of the Police.

The FOP even posted a letter to Facebook that said Krasner has shown "hostility toward police" during his career as a civil rights attorney and urged members to support Grossman.

Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement Tuesday evening, congratulating the political newcomer on his win.

"I extend my sincerest congratulations to District Attorney-elect Larry Krasner and his team," Kenney said. "I look forward to working with him to continue the City’s MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge and our other efforts to make the criminal justice system more equitable and effective. While we’ve reduced our incarcerated population by nearly 20 percent in the last two years, there is still important work to do."

Acting District Attorney Kelly B. Hodge issued a statement Wednesday morning on Krasner's victory.

"Congratulations to District Attorney Elect Larry Krasner on your election victory," Hodge said. "All of us in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office stand ready to make your transition to becoming Philadelphia’s 26th District Attorney seamless."

Krasner will take over a District Attorney's office that is still reeling from the bribery scandal of former DA Seth Williams.

“Leading this office is an honor and privilege," Hodge said. "The dedicated public servants in this Office, who you will soon have the honor to work with, like you, are unflinching in their desire to give a voice to the victims of crime and making Philadelphia a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. My time as Philadelphia’s District Attorney has been extremely rewarding. And while the work is expectedly challenging, I am sure your tenure will provide you with the same sense of purpose as a public servant and accomplishment as my tenure as given to me. Again, Congratulations and Godspeed."

See full Philadelphia election results here.

Democratic nominee for Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner walks to his polling place to vote in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)