08/16/2026
10 REASONS WHY BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE IN THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY RACE
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s race isn’t just another election. The District Attorney has a lot of influence over how criminal cases are handled, how victims and witnesses are supported, how diversion programs run, and how the office responds to police misconduct. The office serves Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.
For Black voters, here are 10 reasons why this election matters:
1. Because Prosecutorial Power Affects Our Communities
The District Attorney decides how the office handles charging, plea deals, diversion, prosecution, and sentencing recommendations. Those choices can have lifelong impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities.
2. Because Public Safety Is a Black Community Issue
Black communities deserve to be safe from violence and protected from unfair treatment by the criminal legal system. We should expect a DA who can deal with violent crime while also protecting constitutional rights and building community trust.
3. Because Police Accountability Matters
The DA’s Office plays a key role in investigating and prosecuting alleged misconduct by police officers. The candidates have different views on transparency, accountability, and how the office should handle police misconduct cases.
Black voters should really pay attention to what each candidate says—and what their records actually show.
4. Because Transparency Matters
Our communities deserve to know how decisions are made in serious cases, especially when police use deadly force or misconduct is alleged.
The recent Suffolk DA forum made it clear that the candidates have real differences when it comes to transparency and releasing evidence, including body-camera footage.
5. Because Diversion Can Change Lives
Not every case needs traditional prosecution. Suffolk County’s DA Office runs diversion programs, including ones aimed at keeping young people out of the criminal justice system.
Black voters should be asking: Who actually has the best plan for keeping young people out of the system while still holding people accountable?
6. Because Victims Deserve a Voice
The DA’s Office is responsible for victim and witness support. Massachusetts law requires services like court notifications, information about compensation and restitution, protection, transportation, family support, and referrals to social services.
Black victims deserve the same level of care, respect, resources, and justice as everyone else.
7. Because Wrongful Convictions and Fair Prosecution Matter
With the power to prosecute comes a responsibility to get it right.
Black communities have a strong interest in making sure prosecutors pursue justice—not just convictions—and that evidence is shared properly, cases are reviewed fairly, and innocent people aren’t stuck in a broken system.
8. Because Accountability Starts With the DA
The District Attorney should be accountable not just to the courts and the law, but also to the public.
This race has raised questions about ethics, leadership, judgment, transparency, and accountability when it comes to the candidates. Those questions deserve serious attention from every voter.
9. Because Our Vote Is Our Leverage
Politicians pay attention when communities show up to vote.
If Black voters want candidates to take issues like public safety, police accountability, criminal justice reform, youth violence, victim services, wrongful convictions, transparency, and racial disparities seriously, we have to show that our votes depend on it.
When a community votes strategically, it has more power to demand accountability after the election.
10. Because We Should Choose—Not Complain Afterward
We can’t wait until decisions are already made and then wonder why our voices weren’t heard.
The Suffolk County District Attorney works in our courts, handles cases involving our residents, and makes decisions that can impact our families for years.
So learn about the candidates. Look at their records. Ask tough questions. Watch the debates. Talk with your neighbors.
And then—
VOTE.
Don’t let someone else decide who holds the power that affects your community.
BLACK VOTES MATTER.
BLACK VOICES MATTER.
BLACK COMMUNITIES MATTER.
AND OUR VOTE MUST MATTER AT THE BALLOT BOX.
The Black Agenda Coalition encourages every eligible voter to take part in the Suffolk County District Attorney election and make an informed choice based on the issues, the candidates’ records, and the future of our communities.