Daniel Nichanian Daniel Nichanian Founder and Editorial Director, Political Report Daniel Nichanian is the founder and editorial director of The Appeal: Political Report, a vertical of The Appeal that covers the local politics of criminal justice and mass incarceration. He also writes in the Political Report, and sends its weekly newsletter. He has also written on criminal justice, voting rights, local politics, and political theory in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Philosophy & Rhetoric, Democracy, The Daily Beast, FiveThirtyEight, NBC News, Vox, and other publications. He completed his PhD in political theory at the University of Chicago, where he also worked as a postdoctoral fellow. @Taniel
One Rochester Cop’s Abuses Reveal A Culture of Police Impunity If Officer Matthew Drake had faced serious discipline for his misconduct, he might not have been on duty the night of Tyshon Jones’s death. Meg O'Connor Nov 23, 2021
How Alvin Bragg Rejects Bill Bratton and Broken Windows Policing The Manhattan DA candidate makes his case that more incarceration does not bolster public safety, one week from the Democratic primary. Daniel Nichanian Jun 16, 2021
Norfolk Elects Prosecutor Who Says Crime Is a “Symptom of Structural Racism” Virginia’s primaries on Tuesday saw Ramin Fatehi clinch the Democratic nomination for Commonwealth Attorney in Norfolk, the site of a major showdown over reform in 2019. He is unchallenged in November. Daniel Nichanian Jun 10, 2021
Wins for Larry Krasner and New Allies Signal Reformers’ Growing Reach Progressive gains in Philadelphia’s primaries for judge and DA showcase a movement intent on taking over broader swaths of the criminal legal system. Daniel Nichanian May 20, 2021
Your Guide to Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania’s Elections Today From a historic DA race to judge candidates against mass incarceration, these elections could reshape the criminal legal system. Daniel Nichanian May 18, 2021
Nevada Prosecutors Are Standing in the Way of Abolishing the Death Penalty Time is running out for the state Senate to advance a bill repealing the death penalty. Two influential Democratic senators also work as prosecutors, and the state’s DA association is fighting the reform. Daniel Nichanian May 07, 2021
This Public Defender Has Fought the Manhattan D.A.’s Office. Now She Wants To Lead It. Eliza Orlins, who is running in the June 22 primary, lays out how she would overhaul the "prosecutorial-industrial complex." Daniel Nichanian Apr 19, 2021
She Lost Her Right to Vote Over A Felony. Now This Lawmaker Has Helped Enfranchise Thousands. Tarra Simmons lays out why she championed a new law that restores voting rights to people on probation and parole once she joined Washington’s state legislature. Daniel Nichanian Apr 08, 2021
Two Mayoral Elections May Shape Policing Next Week The Appeal: Political Report’s April 2 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Apr 02, 2021
The Next Virginia Governor Could Wipe Out New Voting Rights Gains People with felony convictions who aren’t in prison can now vote. State elections could bring further progress or a sharp retreat. Daniel Nichanian Mar 26, 2021
Efforts to Abolish the Death Penalty Triumph in the South for the First Time The Appeal: Political Report’s March 25 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Mar 25, 2021
Landmark Rulings Show ‘Untapped Potential’ of State Courts To Advance Civil Rights An emboldened progressive majority on Washington State’s highest court struck down a law that criminalized drug possession and expanded restrictions on life without parole. Daniel Nichanian Mar 17, 2021
Debates Around Criminal Justice Reform Take Center Stage in a Slate of Red States The Appeal: Political Report’s March 11 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Mar 11, 2021
‘Life Sentences Are Death Sentences.’ How This D.A. Candidate Wants to Decarcerate Manhattan Dan Quart makes the case for addressing the "systemic breakdown" in New York’s prisons and jails with shorter sentences, ending cash bail, and other reforms. Daniel Nichanian
Mandatory Minimum Reform Derails in Virginia but Legislature Tackles Other Bills The Appeal: Political Report’s March 4 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Mar 04, 2021
Cash Bail, Death Penatly, Pot: A 12-hour Span Brings Reform Milestones The Appeal: Political Report’s February 25 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Feb 25, 2021
Illinois Delays End of Prison Gerrymandering By a Decade A hard-fought reform will stop the state from distorting political power. But it won’t take effect for a long time. Daniel Nichanian Feb 23, 2021
Conflicts over Prosecution and Policing Ramp Up in California The Appeal: Political Report’s February 18 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Feb 18, 2021
In New York, Local Elections Heat Up, Amid New Moves Against Criminalizing Sex Work The Appeal: Political Report’s February 11 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Feb 11, 2021
Manhattan D.A. Candidate Explains Why She’ll Stop Prosecuting Drug Offenses And Sex Work Tahanie Aboushi discusses her newly expanded proposal of not prosecuting offenses that criminalize poverty, mental health issues, and substance use, and reducing incarceration for all cases. Daniel Nichanian Feb 05, 2021
Lawmakers Address the Size of Policing, the Death Penalty, Sex Work The Appeal: Political Report’s Feb. 4 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Feb 04, 2021
2021 Brings Movement Against the Death Penalty and for Voting Rights in States The Appeal: Political Report’s January 28 newsletter. Daniel Nichanian Jan 28, 2021
D.C. Adopts a “Second Look” Law, and More Local Races Loom on 2021 Horizon The Appeal: Political Report’s January 21 newsletter Daniel Nichanian Jan 21, 2021
In 2021, Don’t Sleep on Criminal Justice Elections DA, sheriff, and mayoral elections will present new openings to upend mass incarceration, from Manhattan and Philadelphia down to Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jan 19, 2021
Ohio Will No Longer Sentence Kids to Life Without Parole “We now have hope that our loved ones and family members will someday come home to us,” one advocate said of the new law. Daniel Nichanian Jan 13, 2021
How States Transformed Criminal Justice in 2020, and How They Fell Short This year of crises, revisited: Nearly 90 state-level bills and initiatives. 16 themes. 7 maps. Daniel Nichanian Dec 18, 2020
Newly Elected Prosecutors Are Challenging the Death Penalty Two more anti-death penalty DAs were elected last week, and the new Los Angeles DA confirmed he would review past sentences. Daniel Nichanian Dec 09, 2020
As Trump Departs, Some Democrats May Seek Cover to Maintain Ties with ICE Officials in a New Jersey county voted last week to renew a lucrative contract with ICE and continue detaining immigrants. Daniel Nichanian Dec 04, 2020
ICE Suffered Blows in the South in Last Week’s Elections Voters in populous Georgia and South Carolina counties elected sheriffs who ran on ending contracts with ICE. Daniel Nichanian Nov 12, 2020
Prosecutor and Sheriff Elections in 2021: A Masterlist and Calendar New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, among other states, are electing many of their prosecutors and sheriffs in 2021. Here is a masterlist and calendar of what to expect. Daniel Nichanian
How Criminal Justice Reform Fared at the Ballot Box on Tuesday Voters elected new sheriffs and DAs who’ve vowed to challenge mass incarceration and ICE, and they approved initiatives to curtail drug criminalization and expand voting rights. Daniel Nichanian, Anna Simonton Nov 05, 2020
Californians Approve an Initiative to Expand Voting Rights Proposition 17 will enable people who are currently on parole to vote. It’s the latest in a wave of nationwide reforms that have narrowed or ended felony disenfranchisement. Kira Lerner, Daniel Nichanian Nov 04, 2020
Austin and Orlando Elect Prosecutors Who Vow to Fight Mass Incarceration Wins by José Garza and Monique Worrell add to a series of victories for criminal justice reformers this year. Daniel Nichanian Nov 03, 2020
Our New Interactive Tool to Follow Tuesday’s Criminal Justice Battlegrounds Daniel Nichanian Oct 29, 2020
Your Guide to 30 Sheriff and Prosecutor Elections That Could Challenge Mass Incarceration These are the key local elections where criminal justice reform is on the line next month, around the country. Daniel Nichanian Oct 19, 2020
These Twelve Elections Could Curb ICE’s Powers In many places that have long helped arrest and detain immigrants, voters will decide the fate of local partnerships with ICE, possibly dealing a series of blows to the agency. Daniel Nichanian Oct 09, 2020
The Sheriff Candidate Who Is Challenging “The Poster Child for the Trump Administration” Eliseo Santana, running for sheriff in Florida’s Pinellas County, wants to end collaboration with ICE, reduce arrests, and shift some funds toward health services. Daniel Nichanian Oct 02, 2020
In Colorado’s D.A. Races, Disagreements Abound on Criminal Justice Reform In four populous districts with open prosecutor elections, debates center on issues such as drug policy, jail capacity, and police impunity. Daniel Nichanian Sep 25, 2020
Charleston Prosecutor Candidate Wants to “Shut Off the Mass Incarceration Mindset” In a Q&A, Ben Pogue, who is running to be the chief prosecutor of South Carolina’s Ninth Circuit, discusses how he would confront racial injustice. Daniel Nichanian Sep 14, 2020
Why a Suburban Illinois Prosecutor Candidate Is Drawing Inspiration From Protests This DeKalb County attorney says that fighting mass incarceration will make people safer than President Trump’s “law and order” messaging. Daniel Nichanian Sep 09, 2020
In Massachusetts, the Democratic Party Shifts Toward Supporting Voting Rights for All Most members of the state’s congressional delegation now say they support restoring voting rights to incarcerated people. Will Tuesday’s primaries elect more proponents? Daniel Nichanian Aug 28, 2020
Policing And Ties With ICE On The Menu In Norfolk County’s Sheriff Race This Massachusetts special election, which starts with next week’s Democratic primary, will shape criminal justice reform prospects in this county—and in state politics. Daniel Nichanian Aug 25, 2020
Progressive Candidate Wins Orlando’s Primary for Prosecutor, and Four Other Florida Takeaways In Florida’s primaries, voters set up November clashes on criminal justice, multiple sheriffs lost re-election bids, and Miami’s prosecutor secured a new term. Daniel Nichanian Aug 19, 2020
“Making Powerful People Feel Uncomfortable Is A Good Thing”: Enter Vermont’s High Bailiffs Two criminal justice reform advocates, now poised to become high bailiffs, are reimagining this odd office to make the case for civilian oversight on law enforcement. Daniel Nichanian Aug 18, 2020
Wisconsin is Voting For Its D.A.s, But Democracy Is Not On The Ballot Nearly all of its 71 DA elections feature a candidate running unopposed. Once again, voters won’t have a say over the shape of prosecution and criminal justice. Daniel Nichanian Aug 11, 2020
Progressives Score New Wins in Prosecutor Elections, Adding to the Movement’s Breadth “Maybe we do teach the liberal bastions how things can be done by these country bumpkins over here,” said one winning candidate. Daniel Nichanian Aug 05, 2020
Nine Elections This Week Could Upend Criminal Justice Nationwide From Aug. 4 to Aug. 8, keep an eye on Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri. Daniel Nichanian Aug 03, 2020
Eleven Prosecutors Form a Progressive Alliance in Virginia Their move breaches expectations of a monolithic law enforcement perspective, which in the past has helped DA associations push a punitive agenda. Daniel Nichanian Jul 28, 2020
Honolulu’s Prosecutor Race Could Flip Hawaii’s Punitive Culture Running in one of Hawaii’s two open elections for prosecutor, a public defender wants the state to take a progressive turn. Daniel Nichanian Jul 24, 2020
Jamaal Bowman Wants Democrats to Be the “Party of Dismantling Mass Incarceration” Fresh off of his likely victory, Jamaal Bowman talks about defunding the NYPD and cutting down the criminal legal system. Daniel Nichanian Jul 17, 2020
In Austin Prosecutor Races, Wins for the Left and a Milestone for Drug Decriminalization The Travis County DA lost resoundingly to a progressive advocate who ran on shrinking the mission of criminal justice and not prosecuting low-level drug cases. Daniel Nichanian Jul 15, 2020
D.C. Is Poised To Abolish Felony Disenfranchisement Washington, D.C., is joining Maine and Vermont in allowing incarcerated people to vote. Kira Lerner, Daniel Nichanian Jul 08, 2020
Oklahoma and Oregon Deliver Two Measures Of Relief For People Facing Poverty Hundreds of thousands will gain access to public health insurance in Oklahoma, and will avoid having their licenses suspended over debt in Oregon. Daniel Nichanian Jul 01, 2020
Austin D.A. Candidate Wants to Stop Sweeping Issues Under the Rug of Criminal Justice José Garza makes the case for why he would not prosecute low-level drug cases, and how he would hold police accountable in Travis County, in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian Jun 30, 2020
How Black Lives Matter is Shaping New York’s D.A. Elections: “Police and D.A.s Work Hand in Hand” Candidates are sparring over their attitudes toward the police in Tompkins and Westchester counties, which hold DA elections on Tuesday. Daniel Nichanian Jun 18, 2020
Georgia Sheriff Who Cooperated with ICE Loses Re-Election Bid John Williams, the winner in Athens, pledged to not assist ICE and not take donations from the bail bond industry. Georgia will host other heated sheriff’s races in the fall. Daniel Nichanian Jun 12, 2020
How Unequal Perceptions of Protest and Violence Shape Black Lives Matter Juliet Hooker, a scholar of Black political thought, discusses Black Lives Matter, asymmetrical perceptions of violence, and the role that images play in our politics. Daniel Nichanian Jun 04, 2020
New York Senator Makes the Case for Defunding the NYPD “These changes won’t be made unless we demand them loudly and relentlessly,” says state Senator Julia Salazar. Daniel Nichanian Jun 01, 2020
Progressive Winner in Portland D.A. Race Expects ‘Shock Waves’ in Oregon’s Punitive System “Multnomah County has just embraced the most progressive DA platform that this state has ever seen,” said Mike Schmidt, who credited grassroots organizers for his win. Daniel Nichanian May 20, 2020
“There’s an Appetite for Change” in Rural Counties, Says New Mexico D.A. Candidate Brett Phelps, a public defender who is running for DA in the June Democratic primary, makes the case that rural areas are crucial for criminal justice reform. Daniel Nichanian May 15, 2020
New Mexico D.A.s United to Torpedo Reforms. The 2020 Elections Could Breach That Unanimity. The June primaries may give reform advocates new allies for ideas they have championed, for instance on drug policy, parole, and voting rights. Daniel Nichanian
Santa Fe’s D.A. Candidates Want to Wind Down the War on Drugs The Political Report talks to the two DA candidates in New Mexico’s First Judicial District. They share similar views on drug policy, part ways elsewhere. Daniel Nichanian
Oregon’s D.A. Elections Mock Democracy, Again DAs keep resigning in election years, and governors keep appointing deputy prosecutors who then get to face voters as incumbents. It happened again this year. Daniel Nichanian May 07, 2020
A Powerful D.A. Fought New York’s Reforms. His Challenger Wants to Push Them Further. Matt Toporowski, up against the former head of the DA’s association, says he would “walk down the halls with advocates and lobby for progressive reform.” Daniel Nichanian Apr 30, 2020
Cincinnati Voters Oust Sheriff Who Cooperated with ICE and Championed a New Jail “The solution to the problem of mass incarceration is certainly not more mass incarceration,” said Charmaine McGuffey, who won. In neighboring Greene County, voters rejected a tax increase to build a bigger jail. Daniel Nichanian Apr 29, 2020
Virginia Ends Prison Gerrymandering, the Latest Chapter in a Recent Tidal Wave New law changes where incarcerated people are counted for redistricting. Advocates vow to push against felony disenfranchisement next year. Daniel Nichanian Apr 23, 2020
Virginia Takes a Big Step Against Criminalizing Poverty Ending the suspension of driver’s licenses over court debt will spare hundreds of thousands each year. Advocates call for more action against fines and fees, especially during COVID-19. Daniel Nichanian Apr 17, 2020
Virginia Makes It Easier to Vote by Mail The state will no longer require an excuse when voters request an absentee ballot. Advocates say public authorities need to devote enough resources to facilitate mail-in voting and preserve alternatives. Daniel Nichanian Apr 16, 2020
“Unconscionable”: New York Senator Denounces State’s Medicaid Cuts and Criminal Justice Reform Rollbacks “When we look back on this time, what we’re going to be judged by is how we protected those who are most vulnerable,” Alessandra Biaggi said. Daniel Nichanian Apr 09, 2020
“It Is Public Safety to Get People Out of Incarceration”: Q&A with Portland D.A. Candidate Michael Schmidt, who is running for DA in May in Oregon’s largest county, shares his views on criminal justice reform during and beyond the pandemic. Daniel Nichanian Apr 02, 2020
“Time Is of the Essence”: How States Can Shore Up Mail Voting An expert in election procedures unpacks how states should scale up mail voting, and how they should make sure no one is left behind. Daniel Nichanian Mar 24, 2020
Colorado Abolishes the Death Penalty and Ends Prison Gerrymandering Nationwide efforts against the death penalty and against prison gerrymandering have gained considerable momentum just over the past two years. Daniel Nichanian Mar 23, 2020
For Decarceration, Election Results Bring One Big Win and Some Prolonged Suspense Austin, Houston, and Los Angeles voted on Super Tuesday, with stakes for incarceration and criminal justice reform. Daniel Nichanian Mar 06, 2020
Progressives See Super Tuesday as a Chance to Transform Los Angeles “We’re at a watershed moment for criminal justice reform,” Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, said about Measure R and LA’s upcoming DA election. Daniel Nichanian Feb 28, 2020
Virginia Makes All Children Eligible for Parole, a Major Shift for This Punitive State The reform’s impact will hinge on Virginia’s parole board no longer denying most applications it receives. Daniel Nichanian Feb 24, 2020
D.A. Associations Should Own Up to the Splintering Politics of Prosecution California’s DA association responded to a critic in a letter signed by nearly all prosecutors. But this may only exacerbate worries about DAs’ tendency to talk in a single political voice. Daniel Nichanian Feb 14, 2020
Austin Prosecutor Candidate Wants to Cut His Budget and Avoid Jailing Anyone Dominic Selvera hopes to “shrink the system” if elected Travis County Attorney. In a Q&A, he explained how he would cut prosecutions, and steer money toward public services “outside of the criminal justice system.” Daniel Nichanian Feb 13, 2020
Blockbuster D.A. Races Rock Big Texas Counties, from Austin to Houston The death penalty, drug policy, and bail reform are shaping Texas debates, with primaries just weeks away. But across the state, hundreds of local elections are left uncontested. Daniel Nichanian Jan 30, 2020
California Prosecutor Quits State’s D.A. Association: “Let’s Accept Responsibility for The Mistakes We’ve Made” The CDAA has opposed “almost all change that the voters of California had asked us to enact," San Joaquin County DA Tori Salazar said in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian Jan 23, 2020
When New Jersey Next Redistricts, It Will Count Incarcerated People Where They Lived A new law ends prison gerrymandering in legislative redistricting. New Jersey will continue to disenfranchise incarcerated people. Daniel Nichanian Jan 21, 2020
Where Are the (Reform) Candidates in Ohio? Few Ohio elections feature candidates talking of criminal justice reform, with some notable exceptions such as in Cincinnati. Some activists are pressing ahead through other organizing. Daniel Nichanian Jan 16, 2020
How Rachel Rossi Would Change the D.A.’s Role in Los Angeles: “It Takes a Public Defender” Rossi rules out seeking the death penalty or prosecuting sex work. “Oftentimes justice may mean a restorative outcome. Oftentimes justice may mean never filing a case,” she said in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian
The Prosecutorial Chronicles, Jan. 2020: New Officials Take First Steps, Halt Pot Charges Two Virginia prosecutors stop charging marijuana possession—mostly. And newly-elected DAs are sworn in as well in California, New York, and Pennsylvania. Daniel Nichanian
How George Gascón Wants to Reform Los Angeles and Achieve “the Lowest Level of Intervention” “The problem is that LA County has come to a place where they use the most expensive and the most intrusive tools of the criminal justice system to deal with every behavior," Gascón said in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian Jan 09, 2020
In Maryland, an Abrupt Change in Leadership Could Boost Sentencing and Parole Reform In a Q&A, Senator William Smith lays out his priorities to encourage decarceration as the new chair of a powerful Maryland committee. Daniel Nichanian
From Marijuana to the Death Penalty, States Led the Way in 2019 A retrospective on the year that was on criminal justice reform. Seven maps. 16 issues. 50 states. Daniel Nichanian Dec 20, 2019
One Week’s Work: New Jersey and Kentucky Restore Voting Rights to More than 200,000 More than 200,000 people regain their voting rights, and advocates vow further action. “To vote has value to the soul,” a New Jersey advocate said at a signing ceremony. Daniel Nichanian Dec 18, 2019
The Prosecutorial Chronicles, Dec. 2019 edition: A Tale of Political Contrasts Some prosecutors speak up for ending disenfranchisement and sending their staff to visit prisons, while a Pennsylvania DA sought to block a release. Daniel Nichanian Dec 12, 2019
As Illinois Votes for Its Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys Say to Not “Just Go with the Flow” We preview the 2020 races for prosecutor in the biggest Illinois counties, starting with the high-stakes election in Cook County (Chicago). Daniel Nichanian
In 2020, Look at Sheriffs and Prosecutors Too In Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and beyond, next year will bring blockbuster local elections that could overhaul law enforcement and criminal justice. Daniel Nichanian Dec 05, 2019
Prosecutor and Sheriff Elections in 2020: A Masterlist and Calendar Nearly 2,300 prosecutors and sheriffs are set to be elected in 2020. This page details which counties are voting, and their filing deadlines and election dates. Daniel Nichanian Nov 27, 2019
When People in Prison Can Vote, Officials “Treat Them With Some Respect” A New York bill would abolish felony disenfranchisement. That would mean law enforcement is no longer the arbiter of who gets to vote. Daniel Nichanian Nov 22, 2019
As Michigan Raises the Age, Advocates Vow to Press for More Change Michigan automatically treats all 17-year olds as adults, but that will soon change with a major new reform. But prosecutors will retain broad discretion. Daniel Nichanian Nov 14, 2019
“This Is Where the Real Work Begins”: What Chesa Boudin’s Win Means for San Francisco Two San Francisco-based advocates discuss the organizing that helped Chesa Boudin, and the next steps for mass incarceration and criminal justice reform. Daniel Nichanian
Voters Beyond Big Cities Rejected Mass Incarceration in Tuesday’s Elections A wave of progressive candidates prevailed in elections for prosecutor, overhauling the politics of criminal justice in Virginia and beyond. Daniel Nichanian Nov 07, 2019
Tuesday’s Election Boosts Voting Rights for People With Past Convictions A claimed victory in Kentucky and wins in Virginia mean hundreds of thousands of people could have their right to vote restored. Kira Lerner, Daniel Nichanian Nov 06, 2019
Your Guide to the 2019 Elections, in Six Questions Will 2019 grow the ranks of decarceral officials? The results will shape bail reform, policing and charging practices, ICE cooperation, voting rights, and more. Daniel Nichanian Oct 31, 2019
“How Are You Keeping My Community Safe If You’re Stealing My Resources?” A candidate for prosecutor in Loudoun County, Virginia responds to attacks on her background and argues that criminal justice reform can help public safety. Daniel Nichanian Oct 24, 2019
D.A.s Increasingly Treat Overdoses as Homicides. Will November Reel That In? In New York and Pennsylvania, some DA elections could slow the surge of homicide prosecutions in the aftermath of an overdose. Daniel Nichanian
Louisiana Sheriffs Have a Great Election Night ICE cooperation and detention conditions were on the line, but sheriff races struggled for salience and drew bipartisan consensus. Daniel Nichanian Oct 17, 2019
Reform Candidates Face Pushback in Virginia In Fairfax and Chesterfield counties, candidates for prosecutor want to reduce the volume of felony convictions. Reform opponents have coalesced against them. Daniel Nichanian
New York Adopted Pretrial Reforms. Its DA Races Will Decide Who Implements Them. New York DA candidates starkly disagree on bail and discovery reforms in Queens and three upstate counties, Dutchess, Monroe, and Ulster. Daniel Nichanian Oct 10, 2019
A Public Defender, Running for D.A. in Pittsburgh, Wants to Join Forces with Philly’s Larry Krasner Lisa Middleman is challenging Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala in November. DAs should be “reducing mass incarceration and creating equity,” she told the Political Report. Daniel Nichanian Oct 04, 2019
New Jersey Attorney General Bans ICE’s 287(g) Program Gurbir Grewal terminated existing 287(g) contracts. But immigrants will continue to be treated differently. Daniel Nichanian
Elections Could Expand Voting Rights This Fall. They Will Take Place in an “Intolerable Condition.” The November elections in Mississippi, Kentucky and Virginia could alter the politics of rights restoration and potentially expand the electorate. Daniel Nichanian Sep 26, 2019
California Legislature Passes Series of Reforms, and Prosecutors Roll Out New Policies Also today: Cooperation with ICE is at stake in Louisiana's October elections. Daniel Nichanian Sep 19, 2019
Prosecutors Roll Out Reforms in Four States A Maryland prosecutor stops seeking cash bail, Kentucky and Virginia prosecutors limit pot cases, and a Hawaii prosecutor reduces charges for driving offenses. Daniel Nichanian
In Louisiana, Sheriff Elections Will Shape ICE’s Reach “They’re trying to send Hispanics to Mexico or Honduras and put Black men in jail,” said one candidate regarding prevailing practices. “The United States is made for everybody.” Daniel Nichanian
California Legislature Adopts a Flurry of Criminal Justice Reforms New laws signed by Governor Newsom target private prisons, and fines and fees, the power of DAs, and more. Daniel Nichanian
Federal Judge Rebukes the Willie Horton Strategy Also today: Michigan advocates push for expungement reform Daniel Nichanian Sep 13, 2019
Federal Judge Rebukes Houston DA for Using the Willie Horton Strategy The response lays bare the absurd premise of those who offer a handful of anecdotes as reason enough to oppose a systemic reform. Daniel Nichanian Sep 12, 2019
“We Won’t Have People Stacked on Top of One Another in Prisons, in Cages” In a Q&A, Jennifer Riley Collins explains how she would fight overincarceration if she is elected as attorney general of Mississippi this November. Daniel Nichanian Sep 06, 2019
Illinois Banned a Prized ICE Program. Why Are So Few Blue States Doing the Same? Also today: How an attorney general candidate wants to reform criminal justice Daniel Nichanian
Illinois Bans ICE Program. But This Reform Is Not Yet Taking Off Elsewhere. Illinois prohibition against 287(g) contracts comes two years after California’s ban. Daniel Nichanian Sep 05, 2019
In Mississippi, Candidates for Governor Are Divided on Expanding Medicaid Medicaid expansion foe wins GOP primary, sets up November clash on an issue with deep implications for the criminal legal system. Daniel Nichanian Aug 29, 2019
Joe Arpaio Is Running for Sheriff, Again Also today: A Q&A with Jim Hingeley, a longtime public defender who is running for prosecutor to fight “family separation” Daniel Nichanian
Longtime Public Defender Runs for Prosecutor to Fight “Family Separation” "I saw families that were torn apart, and I saw the consequences of that,” Jim Hingeley, a candidate running in Albemarle County, Virginia, said in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian Aug 28, 2019
Reform Prosecutors Respond to U.S. Attorney General, Announce New Drug Policies Also today: Can Louisiana continue reducing its incarceration rate? Daniel Nichanian Aug 22, 2019
Reform Prosecutors Respond to Attack by U.S. Attorney General Checking-in on the politics of prosecutors: A Vermont state's attorney makes waves, and California and Florida prosecutors plan on dismissing more drug charges Daniel Nichanian
Governor’s Race Could Decide If Louisiana’s Prison Population Continues to Shrink Louisiana shed its status as the top incarcerator in the county last year, but the trend is fragile. Daniel Nichanian Aug 21, 2019
Prosecutor Sends Staff to Prison, U.S. Attorney General Attacks Reform DAs Also today: Colorado organizers prepare for the 2020 legislative session Daniel Nichanian Aug 15, 2019
Prosecutor Sends Staff to Prison, in a Bid to Counter Their Reflex to Incarcerate A Q&A with Sarah Fair George, a Vermont prosecutor: "imagine how this might impact somebody who is there for six months or a year." Daniel Nichanian Aug 14, 2019
Death Penalty, Prison Gerrymandering, and ICE May Be on Colorado's 2020 Menu Advocates of criminal justice reform prepare their next legislative efforts in states like Colorado where the 2019 session is over. Daniel Nichanian
With New Law, Oregon Joins Wave of States Restricting or Halting the Death Penalty Daniel Nichanian Aug 07, 2019
Oregon Overhauls Its Youth Justice System New law abolishes life without parole for minors, expands opportunities for early release, and restricts the prosecution of children as adults. Daniel Nichanian Jul 25, 2019
Miami Officials: Most People Who Owe Fines and Fees Can Vote Lawyers and advocates in Miami-Dade County will roll out a new plan to counter the disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions. Kira Lerner, Daniel Nichanian Jul 24, 2019
Criminal Justice Reform in the States: July 19, 2019 edition Legislative Roundup: New Jersey adopts rare restrictions on solitary confinement, Missouri reform will cut prison population, and more Daniel Nichanian Jul 19, 2019
Hawaii Governor Sinks Criminal Justice Reforms, Allows Pot Decriminalization Governor Ige vetoed bills restricting civil asset forfeiture and enabling the release of terminally ill people. Daniel Nichanian Jul 18, 2019
Will November Bring a “Wave” of Reform Prosecutors in Virginia? Competitive elections for prosecutor will shape the prospects of decarceral reforms, from Fairfax to Chesterfield. Daniel Nichanian
Prince William County Is at a Crossroads, As Powerful Local Officials Retire In November, voters get to orient prosecutorial discretion and immigration policy in the second most populous county in Virginia. Daniel Nichanian
Mike May, Running for Prosecutor in Prince William County, Lays Out His Positions Daniel Nichanian Jul 10, 2019
Clock is Ticking to Fix Prison Gerrymandering With redistricting fast approaching, Nevada and Washington end prison gerrymandering, but reforms stall elsewhere. Daniel Nichanian Jul 03, 2019
Tiffany Cabán’s Success in Queens Shines Spotlight on Grassroots Organizing New Yorkers voted in their DA primaries. Daniel Nichanian
The Queens D.A. Race Shakes Up New York's Legal System: "This is Just the Beginning" Our roundtable probes the stakes of the Queens DA election for criminal justice reform: “If there is room for reform anywhere in the boroughs of New York City, it is in Queens.” Daniel Nichanian
Colorado Governor Opposed Banning ICE Contracts. But They May Already Violate State Law. A new Colorado law curbs ICE’s reach, but it was weakened during the legislative process and stripped of its prohibition against ICE contracts. Daniel Nichanian
Challengers Defeat Two Virginia Prosecutors, Hint at Reform Coalition Also today: Colorado's Democratic governor opposed banning ICE contracts Daniel Nichanian
In Key Virginia Primaries, Winners Ran on Ending Mass Incarceration Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and Steve Descano oust the chief prosecutors of Arlington and Fairfax counties, overhauling prosecution in Northern Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jun 12, 2019
Tuesday's Elections Could Overhaul Prosecution in Northern Virginia Virginians are voting for their prosecutors in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. Daniel Nichanian Jun 06, 2019
Legalized Pot, Reduced Sentences: Three States Reform Their Drug Laws Illinois is set to legalize marijuana, while Colorado and Oklahoma tackled possession of other drugs. Daniel Nichanian
Virginia’s Primaries Could Overhaul Prosecution, and Three States Reform Their Drug Laws Illinois is legalizing marijuana, while Colorado and Oklahoma confront drug possession. Daniel Nichanian
A Double Blow to Disenfranchisement Colorado and Nevada will now restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, amid nationwide efforts against disenfranchisement. Daniel Nichanian May 31, 2019
Big Week for Reform: States Abolish the Death Penalty, Expand Voting Rights Spotlight on Colorado, Nevada, and New Hampshire Daniel Nichanian
The Prosecutorial Chronicles, May 2019: Durham DA Rolls Out New Policies to Reduce Pretrial Detention The latest on the politics of prosecutors, this month from Maine, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Daniel Nichanian
“It Is Not Smart to Focus on Prosecuting Victimless Crimes like Drug Possession:” A Q&A with Amy Ashworth Amy Ashworth, who is running for prosecutor of Prince William County, discusses declinations, the death penalty, and cash bail. Daniel Nichanian May 30, 2019
New Hampshire Abolishes the Death Penalty New Hampshire becomes the 21st state to abolish the death penalty. Daniel Nichanian
Mixed Results for Criminal Justice Reformers in Pennsylvania Primaries Philadelphia ousts its sheriff. The Allegheny County DA wins the Democratic primary. Daniel Nichanian May 23, 2019
Washington State Restricts Youth Detention, Amends Three Strikes, and Ends Prison Gerrymandering Daniel Nichanian
"It Undermines Communities to be Seeking Convictions for Nonviolent Misdemeanor Offenses:" An Interview with Tracey Lenox Daniel Nichanian
Pittsburgh’s Punitive DA Wins Primary. Reformer Ousts the Philly Sheriff. Also today: Montana, North Dakota, and Washington State adopt reforms. Daniel Nichanian
Foreclosures and ICE Are on the Menu in Philadelphia’s Sheriff Election An incumbent sheriff faces three challengers in the Democratic primary. Daniel Nichanian
Pennsylvania Primaries Are a Week Away Also today: What is sheriffs' role toward the opioid crisis? Daniel Nichanian
How We Count People Skews Political Power The new citizenship question and the longstanding practice of prison gerrymandering weaponize the census to change the racial geography of power. Vaidya Gullapalli, Daniel Nichanian
“A Sliver of Light”: Maine’s Top Election Official on Voting From Prison The Appeal: Political Report talks to Matthew Dunlap, the secretary of state of Maine, about how prison voting works there. Daniel Nichanian May 02, 2019
Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders and Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Discuss Prison Voting In voting rights special, we also bring you the latest on rights restoration reforms nationwide Daniel Nichanian
Debate on Felony Disenfranchisement Is Already Here in State Legislatures Around the Country Daniel Nichanian
Bernie Sanders Explains Why He Supports Voting Rights for All Citizens In a Q&A, Bernie Sanders explains why he wants to abolish felony disenfranchisement. "The right to vote is inalienable to my mind whether you're in jail or any place else," he said. Daniel Nichanian Apr 30, 2019
Illinois Reform Part of a Wave of Challenges to Age Cutoff of Youth Justice Also today: Criminal justice reform bills advance in Montana, Oklahoma, and elsewhere Daniel Nichanian Apr 25, 2019
Advocates Press States to Recognize that Young Adults Can Change Too Illinois law uses a cutoff age of 21. Advocates ask, why should people be cut off from the logic of having a separate youth justice system because they are a day over 18? Daniel Nichanian
New York’s DA Elections Will Shape Prosecutorial Practices, and a Virginia Candidate Discusses His Platform Also today: Officials announce criminal justice reforms in Texas, Virginia, Utah Daniel Nichanian Apr 18, 2019
An Interview with Steve Descano: “Ending Mass Incarceration” Requires “a Systemic Approach” A candidate for prosecutor in Fairfax County, Virginia, explains his views on criminal justice reform, from charging practices and drugs to the death penalty. Daniel Nichanian
Legislative Roundup: April 18, 2019 edition New Hampshire legislature adopts death penalty abolition, Colorado House votes to expand voting rights, and more. Daniel Nichanian
New Jersey’s Sheriff’s Elections Take Shape, While a Key New York Race Goes Uncontested Also today: Key legislative developments from Virginia, South Dakota, and Iowa Daniel Nichanian
New York Sheriff Who Joined ICE Program May Coast to Re-Election Sheriff Patrick Russo faces no challengers. But the state legislature could act to restrict local cooperation with the federal agency. Daniel Nichanian
Why New Jersey’s Sheriff Elections Matter Eleven New Jersey counties vote for their sheriff this year. These elections could shape immigration policy, law enforcement, and jail conditions. Daniel Nichanian
Durham Connects Transportation and Criminal Justice Reform, New York Tackles Discovery and Bail Also today: An interview with a candidate for DA in Pittsburgh Daniel Nichanian, Joshua Vaughn Apr 04, 2019
How Public Transit, State Reform, and DA Practices Can Counter Driver’s License Suspensions While Durham pursues an initiative to reinstate licenses, a Duke University decision sets back the mobility of local residents. Daniel Nichanian
New York Lawmakers Overhaul Pretrial Rules but Reforms Falter Elsewhere Daniel Nichanian Apr 03, 2019
DA Elections Take Shape in Pennsylvania, and Boston DA Announces New Reforms Also today: The Political Report revisits efforts to reform rights restoration in Mississippi Daniel Nichanian Mar 28, 2019
What Are the Prospects for an Initiative on Rights Restoration in Mississippi? With the legislative path sidelined once more, could the state emulate Florida in narrowing felony disenfranchisement? Daniel Nichanian
Legislative roundup (March 27 edition): from Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Utah Daniel Nichanian Mar 27, 2019
Twin Cities Prosecutors Roll Out New Marijuana Policies Both offices stop short of policies implemented elsewhere to not charge marijuana possession Daniel Nichanian Mar 21, 2019
Reformers Push to Expand and Automate Expungement Utah legislation would automate expungement process, Delaware bill would effectively create one. Daniel Nichanian
A Nationwide Push for Expungement Reform, and New Marijuana Policies in the Twin Cities Also today: The Political Report launches a new series on the powers of sheriffs Daniel Nichanian
Delaware Attorney General Issues Reforms, and States Move to Halt the Death Penalty Also today: Jacksonville, Florida Prepares to vote for Sheriff Daniel Nichanian
More Diversion, Fewer Charges: Delaware Attorney General Reforms Prosecution State advocates warn that implementation and office culture will pose challenges Daniel Nichanian
Criminal Justice Reform in the States (March 14 edition): from Arkansas, Arizona, Iowa, and More Daniel Nichanian
Stage Is Set for 2019 Mississippi DA Elections, and a Hawaii Voting Rights Proposal Stalls Also today: an interview with Shani Curry Mitchell, candidate for Rochester District Attorney Daniel Nichanian Mar 07, 2019
Hawaii Proposal to End Disenfranchisement Stalls as Advocates Vow to Press Ahead “People don’t lose their citizenship just because they’re sentenced to prison,” said one advocate. Daniel Nichanian
"We Desperately Need Reform Regarding Discovery Rules:" A Q&A with Shani Curry Mitchell Daniel Nichanian
Vermont Reformers Target Life Imprisonment, and a North Carolina Sheriff Restricts Ties with ICE Also today: A review of legislative developments in Indiana, New York, and Utah Daniel Nichanian Feb 28, 2019
Reformers Target Life Imprisonment and Sentences of Life Without Parole Vermont and Massachusetts legislation would abolish life without parole sentences, while other states consider that reform for minors. Daniel Nichanian
Legislative roundup (Feb. 28 edition): from Indiana, New Hampshire, New York, Utah, and Vermont Daniel Nichanian
“The Commonwealth’s Attorney Has a Very Holistic Role”: An interview with Virginia Candidate Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, a candidate for prosecutor, explains how she wants to fight mass incarceration in Arlington. Daniel Nichanian Feb 22, 2019
States Consider Death Penalty Repeal, Virginia Candidate Explains How She Would Fight Mass Incarceration, and More Also today: Study measures impact of bail reform in Philadelphia Daniel Nichanian
Legislative round-up (Feb. 15 edition): from California, Michigan, and North Dakota Daniel Nichanian Feb 15, 2019
Houston DA Urged to Decline Cases, as Bid to Hire More Prosecutors Falls Short Daniel Nichanian Feb 14, 2019
North Carolina Sheriff Restricts Ties with ICE, but Colorado Sheriff Strengthens Them Also today: Houston prosecutor’s bid to hire more prosecutors falls short Daniel Nichanian Feb 13, 2019
Prosecutors Announce New Marijuana Policy in Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri In St. Louis, Chicago, and Baltimore, prosecutors have announced a policy of not prosecuting marijuana possession or have launched a new expungement program. Daniel Nichanian Feb 07, 2019
Legislative Round-Up (Feb. 7, 2019 Edition): from New Jersey, Tennessee, South Carolina, Wyoming Daniel Nichanian
Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider Restoring Voting Rights, but Organizers Are Not Waiting Advocates pursue many fronts to push for incarcerated individuals to have electoral voice, two decades Massachusetts restricted the franchise. Daniel Nichanian
Prosecutors announce new pot policies, & Massachusetts organizers push to expand voting rights Daniel Nichanian
Legislative Round-Up (Jan. 31, 2019 Edition): from Florida, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming Daniel Nichanian Jan 31, 2019
Democratic Primary to Replace Northampton DA John Morganelli Takes Form The county's first deputy DA and chief public defender are running in the May 21 primary. Daniel Nichanian
Jacksonville Sheriff Candidate Discusses Police Oversight, Northampton County DA Race Takes Shape, and More Daniel Nichanian
Advocates Make Case for How Marijuana Legalization Should Tackle Equity State advocates demand that politicians be more attentive to confronting the harm that marijuana prohibition has caused. Daniel Nichanian
Advocates’ Case for Equity in Marijuana Legalization, a Conversation about Policing in Jacksonville, and More Daniel Nichanian
Legislative Round-Up (week of Jan. 24, 2019): from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Virginia Daniel Nichanian Jan 24, 2019
Legislative Roundup (week of Jan. 17, 2019): surveying reform prospects Daniel Nichanian Jan 17, 2019
California Reforms Go into Effect, Anne Arundel’s ICE Contracts Come to an End, and more Daniel Nichanian
Two ICE Partnerships Come to an End in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County, Unexpectedly “We don’t believe local government and local communities should be making money by causing harm to other community members,” said one advocate. Daniel Nichanian
New Mexico Legislation Would Eliminate Felony Disenfranchisement Can New Mexico provide a new model for ambitious voting-rights reform? Daniel Nichanian Jan 10, 2019
New Mexico Bill Would Eradicate Felony Disenfranchisement, Arkansas Activists Take on 287(g), and More Daniel Nichanian
In Northwest Arkansas, Activists Organize Against ICE’s 287(g) Program Two counties in northwest Arkansas joined the 287(g) program with ICE more than a decade ago. A coalition of local groups is organizing to end that cooperation. Daniel Nichanian
Plenty of Prosecutors and Sheriffs Will Be Elected in 2019, Too Aout 500 prosecutors and sheriffs will be elected in 2019, nearly all in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jan 04, 2019
Prosecutors and Sheriffs Elected in 2018 Take Office, and Plenty Will Be Elected in 2019, Too Daniel Nichanian
In 2018, Activists Transformed ‘Tough on Crime’ from Asset to Liability A series of electoral victories signals a nationwide shift. Daniel Nichanian Dec 24, 2018
What Pennsylvania’s DA Association Stands for, Spotlight on Disenfranchisement in Nevada, and More Daniel Nichanian Dec 20, 2018
Nevada Eases Rights Restoration But it will still retain a system that is harsh by national standards and will disenfranchise large numbers of residents. Daniel Nichanian
How Activists Helped Change St. Louis: An Interview with Cassandra Gould Daniel Nichanian Dec 19, 2018
North Carolina’s largest counties quit ICE program, what it means to run as a nonpolitical prosecutor, and more Daniel Nichanian Dec 13, 2018
Will Anyone Run for District Attorney in Wisconsin? The majority of Wisconsin counties have held no contested DA election this decade. Daniel Nichanian
North Carolina's Two Largest Counties Quit ICE Program. Will a Third Follow? Two large North Carolina counties quit ICE's 287(g) program this month. Daniel Nichanian
Punitive turn looms on Florida court, New Jersey limits ICE cooperation while postponing some decisions, and more Daniel Nichanian Dec 06, 2018
How Do New Jersey Counties Still Partner with ICE? New Jersey attorney general limits local cooperation with ICE, postpones some decisions. Daniel Nichanian
In the Wake of Amendment 4: Spotlight on Disenfranchisement in Kentucky "What kind of state is Kentucky, truly?" asked an organizer. "What kind of democracy, if you take away folks, Black and brown folks?" Daniel Nichanian
How Medicaid expansion & criminal justice reform intersected, spotlight on disenfranchisement in Mississippi, and more Daniel Nichanian
In the Wake of Amendment 4: Spotlight on Disenfranchisement in Mississippi Mississippi has inherited the dubious distinction of being the state that disenfranchises the highest share of its residents. Daniel Nichanian
How Medicaid Expansion and Criminal Justice Reform Boosted Each Other in 2018 In Georgia, Idaho, and Nebraska, advocates connected the dots between access to care, drug addiction, and mass incarceration. Daniel Nichanian
Florida Adopted Two Far-Reaching Amendments. What Will Be Their Impact? Daniel Nichanian Nov 15, 2018
Reviewing the 2018 Results: Bail Reform Momentum Builds in Texas and New York Daniel Nichanian Nov 10, 2018
Reviewing the 2018 Results: What Accountability Was There Through the Polls? Daniel Nichanian Nov 09, 2018
How Tuesday’s Sheriff Elections Dealt a Blow to ICE Local allies of the Trump administration fought challengers over immigration policy. Daniel Nichanian Nov 08, 2018
Your Essential Criminal Justice Guide to Election Night From sheriffs to bail to marijuana, and more—here’s what you need to know. Daniel Nichanian Nov 05, 2018
2018 Election Preview: District Attorney of Dallas County Marijuana prosecutions and bail reform at the forefront of Dallas DA race. Daniel Nichanian
Four states could legalize marijuana, and other initiatives on the ballot next month Daniel Nichanian
3 Maryland Counties Are In ICE’s 287(g) Program. How Many After November? Daniel Nichanian Oct 11, 2018
New California Laws Limit Prosecution of Children, Increase Police Transparency Daniel Nichanian Oct 04, 2018
New California Laws Will Help Thousands Have Old Convictions Vacated, Expunged, or Reduced Daniel Nichanian
New California laws will help thousands have old convictions vacated, expunged, or reduced Daniel Nichanian
Sheriff Race in Doña Ana, New Mexico Puts Spotlight on Operation Stonegarden This article is part of the Political Report's coverage of criminal justice in the 2018 elections. Daniel Nichanian
2018 Election Preview: Prosecutor of King County, Washington Challenger to Seattle’s chief prosecutor suspends campaign Daniel Nichanian Sep 28, 2018
7 progressives Defeat New York Senators. What’s Next in Albany? Alessandra Biaggi and Zellnor Myrie explain the change they want to bring. Daniel Nichanian
ACLU Releases Slate of State Reports on How to Cut Incarceration by 50 Percent Daniel Nichanian Sep 06, 2018
Trio of Massachusetts primaries will shape state’s criminal justice system Daniel Nichanian Aug 30, 2018
2018 Election Preview: State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida Daniel Nichanian Aug 23, 2018
David Clarke’s chief deputy ousted in Milwaukee, two states debate marijuana, and more Daniel Nichanian Aug 16, 2018
Cole County Prosecutor Known for Prosecuting Clergy Protest Loses Reelection Daniel Nichanian Aug 14, 2018
A transformative moment in St. Louis County, and Wisconsin elections around the corner Daniel Nichanian
2018 Election Preview: Wisconsin's Immigration Protests Do Not Structure Sheriff Elections Daniel Nichanian
The Ferguson protests are resonating in St. Louis County’s Aug. 7 elections, and more Daniel Nichanian Aug 01, 2018
As the governor reforms sheriff payments, all eyes on the legislature and on elections in Etowah and Morgan counties Daniel Nichanian Jul 23, 2018
Sparse Competition in 2018 Prosecutorial Elections An analysis of California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Utah in the 2018 midterms Daniel Nichanian Jul 10, 2018
