Progressive D.A. Diana Becton Defeats Challenger in Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Race

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.