The Stakeholders: Our Q&A Series on the Politics of the Criminal Legal System

On this page, explore the Political Report’s interviews with state and local actors—organizers, state lawmakers, county officials, and more—on the politics of the criminal legal system.

New York: July 2020

Jamaal Bowman Wants Democrats to be the Party that “Dismantles Mass Incarceration”

A Q&A with Bowman, fresh off his likely congressional victory.

New York: June 2020

New York Senator Makes the Case for Defunding the NYPD

A Q&A with Julia Salazar, a New York Senator.

New York: April 2020

“Unconscionable:” Senator Denounces Medicaid Cuts and Criminal Justice Reform Rollbacks

An Q&A with Alessandra Biaggi, a New York senator, on her state’s new budget.

National: March 2020

Time Is of the Essence: How States Can Shore Up Mail Voting

A Q&A with Tammy Patrick on how to shore up voting in a pandemic.

California: Jan. 2020

Family Separation and a “Longer View of Public Safety”

A Q&A with San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin on a new diversion program.

California: Jan. 2020

Prosecutor Quits State’s D.A. Association: “Let’s Accept Responsibility for the Mistakes that We’ve Made.”

A Q&A with Tori Salazar, the DA of San Joaquin County, on why she left the CDAA.

Maryland: Jan. 2020

In Maryland, an Abrupt Change in Leadership Could Boost Sentencing and Parole Reform

Our Q&A with William Smith, the new chair of the Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee

California: Nov. 2019

“This Is Where the Real Work Begins:” What Chesa Boudin’s Win Means for San Francisco

Our Q&A with Lara Bazelon and Emily Lee, two San Francisco advocates, on what’s next.

Vermont: Aug. 2019

Prosecutor Sends Staff to Prison, in a Bid to Counter Their Reflex to Incarcerate

A Q&A with Sarah Fair George, the state’s attorney of Chittenden County

New York: June 2019

The Queens DA Race Shakes up New York’s Legal System: “This is Just the Beginning”

A Q&A with David Brand, Christine Chung, and Aaron Morrison.

Maine: May 2019

“A Sliver of Light:” Maine’s Top Voting Official on Voting from Prison

A Q&A with Matthew Dunlap, Maine’s secretary of state

Vermont/National: April 2019

Bernie Sanders Explains Why He Supports Voting Rights for All Citizens

A Q&A with Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont

Florida: Jan. 2019

On Policing Practices in Jacksonville

A Q&A with Maria Garcia, an organizer with the Jacksonville Community Action Committee

Missouri: Dec. 2018

How Activists Helped Change St. Louis

A Q&A with Cassandra Gould, the executive director of Missouri Faith Voices