Two Georgia district attorneys who promised criminal justice reforms are facing reelection races that will test whether progressive prosecutors can survive intense blowback from state Republicans and some prominent local Democrats, The Associated Press reports. Shalena Cook Jones of Chatham County and Deborah Gonzalez of Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties were elected in 2020 amid nationwide protests against racial injustice. They, like dozens of other progressive prosecutors elected to office over the past decade, promised a holistic approach to prosecuting that offers diversion programs, rehabilitation and shorter sentences for nonviolent offenders. Cook Jones and Gonzalez say the criticism is political and misleading. Their opponents say the prosecutors have led dysfunctional offices that let people convicted of violent crimes off the hook. Pushback against progressive prosecutors is not new: Republicans in Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri and Florida have tried to remove those who they disparagingly call “woke prosecutors.”
In 2020, Cook Jones defeated her Republican predecessor, Meg Heap, to become the first African American woman elected as district attorney in Chatham County, which includes Savannah. Gonzalez, who represents a district with both liberal and conservative areas, faced immediate backlash after releasing progressive policies. Both prosecutors have faced criticism, with Governor Brian Kemp supporting legislation aimed at "far-left prosecutors" whom he claims are “making our communities less safe.” Cook Jones said such rhetoric contributes to a “smear campaign” against reform-minded prosecutors who seek to reduce incarceration rates that skyrocketed since the 1990s because of punitive policies for low-level drug offenses that were disproportionately enforced for people of color. Both Jones and Gonzalez have seen significant staff turnover, especially due to policy disagreements, and have faced legal challenges, including complaints about poor communication and management. Despite these obstacles, both remain committed to reforming the justice system, focusing on reducing incarceration and expunging records.
Comentários