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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg secured re-election on Tuesday, defeating GOP nominee Maud Maron and independent candidate Diana Florence. Bragg, who was first elected in 2021, won with 74% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. His victory came despite criticism over his handling of high-profile cases, including the prosecution of President Donald Trump for business fraud while Trump was running for the White House.
Bragg, a progressive Democrat, faced criticism from his opponents, who labeled him as lenient on crime. Maron, a former public defender, campaigned on restoring justice and safety, while Florence, a former assistant district attorney, ran on a "Safer Manhattan" platform. Despite these challenges, Bragg maintained strong support in the predominantly Democratic city.
During his campaign, Bragg emphasized his efforts to combat gun violence, prosecute hate crimes, and improve mental health services. His first term included controversial decisions, such as his Day 1 memo advising against seeking prison time for certain crimes and downgrading some felony charges. Bragg also faced backlash for charging a deli clerk with manslaughter, a case he later dropped.
Bragg's re-election highlights his continued influence in Manhattan's legal landscape, where he plans to focus on community safety and justice. His tenure has been marked by both praise and criticism, particularly for his role in the high-profile prosecution of President Trump, who is appealing his conviction.
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