Former Deputy DA Deb Ryan To Run For Chesco District Attorney

CHESTER COUNTY, PA -- Former deputy district attorney Deb Ryan has announced her candidacy for Chester County district attorney in this year's election.

Ryan, who works at the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., will run on the Democratic ballot in this May's primary.

"I have spent the past 15 years working as a prosecutor dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of all victims, survivors, and their families,” Ryan said in a statement. "I want to ensure that all Chester County residents live in the safest and healthiest communities."

A mother of two from Birmingham Township, Ryan gained extensive experience in the DA's office prosecuting a wide range of cases, including homicides, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and more.

Famously, she put Warren Yerger, a father who was convicted to 339 to 690 years in prison for sexually abusing children over a period of two decades, behind bars. The sentence against Yerger is the longest sentence in Chester County history.

If Ryan wins the Democratic primary, she would probably face off against current DA, Republican Tom Hogan, in November. Hogan has been in office since 2011.

In her campaign announcement, Ryan noted the opioid epidemic and gun violence as two areas of focus, as well as protection of children and the environment.

Ryan is holding a campaign kick-off event to discuss her positions on Feb. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Barnaby's in West Chester.

Image via Ryan campaign