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Progressive D.A. Diana Becton Defeats Challenger in Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Race
June 8, 2022 — Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton declared victory in the race for the county’s chief law enforcement officer, winning her reelection campaign with a substantial lead of 56% to 44%.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2022
Media Contact:
Bilen Mesfin Packwood, bilen@change-llc.com
Progressive District Attorney Diana Becton Defeats Challenger in Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Race
Martinez, CA - Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton declared victory in the race for the county’s chief law enforcement officer, winning her reelection campaign with a substantial lead of 56% to 44%.
“Contra Costa voters have spoken,” said District Attorney Becton. “They want a justice system that works for everyone. People showed up for this campaign through canvassing, at farmer’s markets, making phone calls, texting – and at the polls. I thank the people of Contra Costa County for believing that our justice system can keep us safe, and be more just and equitable. I also thank Mary Knox for her years of service in our county.”
District Attorney Becton took office in 2017 as the first woman and first African-American District Attorney in the County’s 167-year history with overwhelming countywide and community support. DA Becton is the only African-American District Attorney in California. Since taking office, DA Becton has kept her promise to make real and lasting change, transforming the District Attorney’s Office into one that works for everyone in Contra Costa County and delivering justice for victims. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, District Attorney Becton has taken a smart-on-crime approach, prioritizing the most serious cases and focusing resources on violent crime. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s Office also has developed and enhanced diversion programs, encouraged treatment for those who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction, and launched new efforts to reduce racial disparities in the system.
“Feeling safe in our homes and our communities is what we all deserve,” said DA Becton. “That is why we will continue to focus on serious and violent crime, with supporting victims as our number one priority. We also know that we need to reimagine our system to make it work for everyone, not just the few. The status quo has decimated entire communities, separated families, and relegated generations of Black and Brown communities as second class citizens. That is why we will continue working to reduce racial disparities in our systems. We also must continue to hold anyone who harms our communities accountable - even if they are in elected office or wear a badge - because that is what real safety demands.”
District Attorney Becton was endorsed by nearly 75 state, county and local elected and community leaders, dozens of organizations and the East Bay Times, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood and the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County.
“I am committed to working with every community, and with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, to continue to make Contra Costa County safer and our system more fair for everyone,” said DA Becton.
Read more about DA Becton’s accomplishments: www.dianabecton.com.
Reimagining Youth Justice in Contra Costa County
June 4, 2022 — Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton has made tremendous strides to advance youth justice in Contra Costa County. Under her leadership, Contra Costa County was awarded $1 million from a state Dept. of Corrections grant to pilot a three-year program that provides alternatives to incarceration for young people who commit low-level offenses.
John Legend is on a mission to remind us why ‘local politics matter so much’
June 2, 2022 — …in addition to Boudin, Legend says he is backing Alana Matthews for district attorney in Sacramento County, Diana Becton in Contra Costa County and Pete Hardin in Orange County.
Opinion: Contra Costa DA, sheriff elections test “Blue Wall of Silence”
May 26, 2022 — District Attorney Becton, sheriff candidate Therriault face backlash for wanting to hold abusive cops accountable…
Contra Costa's DA Sent a Sheriff's Deputy to Prison. Now Law Enforcement Groups Are Spending Big to Defeat Her
May 19, 2022 — Police groups have poured more than $250,000 into defeating Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton since her office’s successful prosecution and conviction last fall of a sheriff’s deputy for a 2018 fatal on-duty shooting, county elections filings show. Meanwhile…
Statement from Contra Costa D.A. Diana Becton on reproductive rights:
May 20, 2022 — District attorneys like me have the power to decriminalize abortion. I pledge to protect a woman’s right to choose.
May 20, 2022 — District attorneys like me have the power to decriminalize abortion. I pledge to protect a woman’s right to choose.
On Sunday, I joined over 100 Contra Costans before we headed to Sacramento or walked our neighborhoods in support of pro-choice candidates. As Rep. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan said, if we are going to protect our right to choose, we have to elect pro-choice candidates up and down the ballot.
As district attorney for Contra Costa County, public safety is my number one priority. I am committed to protecting the safety and well being of all individuals in our county. This means I am also committed to protecting our reproductive rights and protecting a woman’s right to choose – because protecting the right to choose is public safety. As prosecutors, we are entrusted with immense discretion, and that power carries an obligation to use that discretion wisely to seek justice.
More than two years ago, I joined a group of prosecutors across the country who saw this coming. We recognized that losing the constitutional right and the protection afforded to us by Roe v Wade was a possibility. That’s why we all took a written pledge to exercise our discretion to not criminalize women for making their decisions about their reproductive rights.
I’m proud to be the only candidate running for Contra Costa District Attorney that is endorsed by Planned Parenthood. A woman’s right to choose is fundamental. It is non negotiable. A woman’s power — her constitutional right to make choices about her personal health care — is a matter of public safety every day and every hour, and it must be protected. Our bodies, our choice.
We must stand united against decisions that have a disproportionate impact on any people in our community, especially women of color and communities of color. We must stand firm to make sure that our places of safety, like Planned Parenthood, are protected, and that the rights of the people who seek to enter are also protected by the criminal justice system.
Statement from Contra Costa D.A. Diana Becton on mass shooting in Buffalo, New York:
May 16, 2022 — On Saturday, May 14, a shooter seeking to target a Black neighborhood killed 10 people and wounded three in Buffalo, New York. I mourn the lives taken by this devastating and racially motivated attack, and I am so sorry for the families and communities…
May 16, 2022 — On Saturday, May 14, a shooter seeking to target a Black neighborhood killed 10 people and wounded three in Buffalo, New York. I mourn the lives taken by this devastating and racially motivated attack, and I am so sorry for the families and communities who have lost their loved ones.
I unequivocally condemn anyone who overtly or implicitly stokes racial hatred for political gain, which historically has led to violence against Black communities and communities of color.
We all lose when so-called leaders engage in dog whistle racism to win elections or gain power. The shooter’s manifesto makes it clear that yesterday’s mass shooting was the result of racism that has seen an overt resurgence over the last six years. As one example, also on Saturday, right here in Contra Costa County, we saw a white pride “rally” in Danville.
All of us across Contra Costa County and this country must send a clear message that we will rise above the politics of exclusion and division, and that we will not allow racism and bias to stand.
East Bay Times Editorial Endorsement: DA Diana Becton For Contra Costa Justice Reform
The two candidates for Contra Costa district attorney represent starkly different perspectives on the role and future of law enforcement. To continue needed criminal justice reforms and ensure police accountability, voters in the June 7 election should reelect District Attorney Diana Becton, who was a Superior Court judge for 22 years before the county Board of Supervisors in in 2017 appointed her district attorney…
Commentary: A Clear Difference in the Contra Costa DA’s Race – Challenger Admits Would NOT Have Charged Convicted Officer with Murder
There is only one Black elected DA in the state of California – Contra Costa DA Diana Becton and she took an unusual path to get there – she spent 22 years as a judge before being appointed to the DA position by the Board of Supervisors following a scandal that forced out her predecessor. In 2018 when most of the other reform minded DAs were losing, she won her election in her own right…
State’s Only Black D.A. Announces Decades-Old Cold Case Solved
Last week, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, California’s only Black D.A., joined the state’s Attorney General Rob Bonta and Acting Richmond Police Chief Louie Tirona to announce that they have identified the man who killed 28-year-old Meekiah Wadley in 1999. During an emotional news conference a representative of the three agencies said Jerry Lee Henderson murdered the Contra Costa Community College student inside her Richmond home…
A Reform D.A. Fights Back
In 2017, three months after she became the first woman and the first African American to lead the Contra Costa (California) District Attorney’s office, Diana Becton worked to abolish juvenile justice fees that fall most heavily on low-income families of color. Since then, she has publicly released reports on officer-involved fatalities and established “Clean Slate Day” for former offenders to clear their records.
In 2017, three months after she became the first woman and the first African American to lead the Contra Costa (California) District Attorney’s office, Diana Becton worked to abolish juvenile justice fees that fall most heavily on low-income families of color. Since then, she has publicly released reports on officer-involved fatalities and established “Clean Slate Day” for former offenders to clear their criminal records
Democratic Party of Contra Costa County Unanimously Endorses Diana Becton for Contra Costa County District Attorney
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton received a unanimous endorsement for re-election by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. “Who we elect as district attorney will have both immediate and long-lasting impacts on our community,” said Katie Ricklefs, chair of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. “We have already seen DA Becton’s effectiveness in making our communities safer and creating fairer systems for everyone. That is why the Democratic Party of Contra Costa stands united in our effort to re-elect DA Diana Becton.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2022
Media Contact:
Bilen Mesfin Packwood, bilen@change-llc.com
CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton received a unanimous endorsement for re-election by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County.
“Who we elect as district attorney will have both immediate and long-lasting impacts on our community,” said Katie Ricklefs, chair of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. “We have already seen DA Becton’s effectiveness in making our communities safer and creating fairer systems for everyone. That is why the Democratic Party of Contra Costa stands united in our effort to re-elect DA Diana Becton.”
Since taking office in 2017, DA Becton has kept her promise to make real and lasting change for Contra Costa County, transforming the District Attorney’s Office into one that works for everyone and delivering justice for victims.
Among her accomplishments, she co-leads the FBI Safe Streets Task Force that coordinates the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement on violent crime, eliminated backlog of untested sexual assault kits, and established the county's first Human Trafficking Unit and established Cold Case Homicide Unit to pursue justice for the victims and families of unsolved murders, and joined Code for America initiative to dismiss thousands of old marijuana convictions, which disproportionately affect people of color in the community. Under her leadership, her office also successfully prosecuted the first law enforcement officer in county history for an on-duty shooting. The six years he received is one of the longest sentences a California officer has received for an on-duty shooting.
“I am honored to receive the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County’s unanimous endorsement,” said DA Diana Becton. “Their confidence in my ability to keep delivering safety, justice, and progress for the people of Contra Costa County is matched by my commitment. I am running for re-election to continue the important work of supporting victims, focusing resources on violent crime, holding polluters accountable and reducing mass incarceration.”
District Attorney Becton took office in 2017 as the first woman and first African-American District Attorney in the County’s 167-year history with overwhelming countywide and community support. DA Becton is the only African-American District Attorney in California.
Read more about DA Becton’s accomplishments and endorsements at www.dianabecton.com.
Diana Becton Launches Reelection Campaign for Contra Costa County District Attorney
On February 12, 2022, at the U.A. 342 Union Hall in Concord, state and county elected and labor leaders joined more than 150 community members as Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton kicked off her reelection campaign…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2022
Media Contact:
Bilen Mesfin Packwood, bilen@change-llc.com
CONCORD, CA - On February 12, 2022, at the U.A. 342 Union Hall in Concord, state and county elected and labor leaders joined more than 150 community members as Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton kicked off her reelection campaign.
“Four years ago, Contra Costa voters elected me as your district attorney with overwhelming, majority support,” said DA Becton. ”In these challenging times, feeling safe in our homes and our communities is what we all deserve. I am proud to say I have worked hard to deliver safety, justice and progress for the people of Contra Costa County. I am running for re-election to continue the important work of making our communities safer and our system more fair for everyone, and I thank the people of Contra Costa County for their support.”
Since taking office, DA Becton has kept her promise to make real and lasting change, transforming the District Attorney’s Office into one that works for everyone in Contra Costa County and delivering justice for victims. She has worked to support victims, focus resources on violent crime and reduce mass incarceration. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s Office also has developed and enhanced diversion programs and encouraged treatment for those who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction. She is also advancing youth justice by establishing a juvenile diversion pre-filing program and creating the Reimagine Youth Justice Task Force to recommend alternatives to prison for young people.
“My priority has always been serving the people of Contra Costa and making our voices heard on issues that matter most,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11). “When it comes to the safety of our families and our communities, there is no one who will work harder than District Attorney Diana Becton. Her proven leadership has led to tremendous progress to help keep our communities safe and our system more fair and equitable. I'm proud to support her campaign."
Among her other accomplishments, District Attorney Becton:
Co-leads the FBI Safe Streets Task Force that coordinates the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement on violent crime.
Continues to file felony charges in organized retail theft incidents in Walnut Creek, coordinating with law enforcement partners throughout the Bay Area.
Eliminated backlog of untested sexual assault kits and established the county's first Human Trafficking Unit.
Established Cold Case Homicide Unit to pursue justice for the victims and families of unsolved murders.
Joined Code for America initiative to dismiss thousands of old marijuana convictions, which disproportionately affect people of color in the community.
Piloted the California County Resentencing Program to address excessive sentencing.
Partnered with The Vera Institute of Justice (VERA) on data analysis to uncover and address bias in the disposition of criminal cases.
Strengthened the internal investigative procedures associated with the investigation of officer-involved shootings and banned use of carotid hold by DA office investigators.
Successfully held a local steel company accountable for dumping toxic waste in the community. The local steel company was forced to pay a $4 million fine.
“District Attorney Diana Becton has made lasting changes in her efforts to transform and reimagine the DA's office into one that works for everyone,” said BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, who represents District 7. “We need a leader who is prioritizing safety for our communities while staying resolute in working to reduce mass incarceration's harm on Black communities and communities of color. I thank her for her courage and historic leadership.”
District Attorney Becton took office in 2017 as the first woman and first African-American District Attorney in the County’s 167-year history with overwhelming countywide and community support. DA Becton is the only African-American District Attorney in California.
Read more about DA Becton’s accomplishments: www.dianabecton.com.