Alameda County DA’s race has three visions for reform and public safety
Alameda County voters will choose between three candidates for district attorney in the June 2 primary election. This is a high-profile race. The election follows the recall of the county’s first reform-DA and an ongoing debate over public safety and criminal justice reform.
Ursula Jones Dickson was appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors after the recall of Pamela Price. Price is running to regain her seat. Gopal Krishan is a trial attorney and political newcomer.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will advance to the general election in November.
Race, recall and reform
Price was elected in 2022 as part of a wave of progressive prosecutors across the country. They campaigned to reduce mass incarceration, increase police accountability, and address racial inequality in the criminal legal system. Price, who previously challenged former DA Nancy O’Malley in 2018, became the first Black person and first Black woman elected as Alameda County district attorney.
While she had strong support from families victimized by police violence, opponents quickly mobilized, arguing her policies went too far and did not protect crime victims. Others said Price’s policies were poorly implemented, like the prosecution of the Alameda Police officers charged for the murder of Oaklander Mario Gonzalez.
Piedmont hedge fund manager Phillip Dreyfuss helped bankroll the campaign to recall Price in 2024. After voters recalled Price, Jones Dickson later filled the vacancy.
Jones Dickson, a former Superior Court judge and longtime prosecutor, was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors and has served as DA since 2025.
Ursula Jones Dickson: Stability and ‘keeping victims at the center’
Jones Dickson has campaigned on restoring stability and trust in the district attorney’s office. After 15 years in as a deputy district attorney, she was appointed as a judge.
According to her campaign website, her priorities include “keeping victims at the center” of the office’s work, prosecuting cases fairly, and reducing a significant backlog of cases. She also emphasizes rebuilding the office through (re)hiring experienced prosecutors and rebuilding trust for victims of crime.
She highlights collaboration with community partners and a focus on addressing serious and violent crime. Jones Dickson has framed her approach as a return to the core responsibilities of the DA’s office, especially seeking victims rights and public safety.