Doylestown, PA — Joe Khan, a former Bucks County solicitor and seasoned prosecutor, has officially announced his bid for the Bucks County District Attorney’s position. Khan, a Democrat, is running unchallenged in the upcoming May 20 primary and is on track to challenge incumbent Republican District Attorney Jennifer Schorn in the November general elections.
Khan, a resident of Central Bucks and a father, brings a significant legal background to his campaign, having served 16 years as a prosecutor at both city and federal levels. During his tenure, he handled diverse cases ranging from child abuse to political corruption and played an instrumental role in civil litigations against opioid distributors.
In his campaign, Khan has emphasized the need for an evolution in the district attorney’s office to meet modern challenges. He advocates for expanding the office’s responsibilities to not only focus on criminal prosecution but also enforce consumer protection, worker’s rights, and environmental laws more rigorously.
“We are faced with a variety of modern challenges that require a proactive approach from the district attorney’s office, one that upholds residents’ rights and actively guards against corruption,” Khan stated. His philosophy revolves around taking direct responsibility for community safety rather than relying excessively on state and federal interventions.
Khan’s collaborative abilities were highlighted by his work with former Republican District Attorney Matt Weintraub. Together, they tackled the TikTok lawsuit concerning youth mental health, showcasing his capability to cross political divides for county welfare.
The candidate criticized the current leadership of the district attorney’s office for insufficient initiative in tackling key issues, pledging to foster a work environment where prosecutors are motivated and engaged daily. His objectives are set against a background of his diverse upbringing, with a Muslim father and Catholic mother, which he says endowed him with a unique perspective on building community relationships.
Additionally, during his stint as Bucks County solicitor, Khan was the county government’s chief legal advisor, managing the first full-time law department. He played a key role in advising on several critical issues, including environmental protection efforts and managing a significant $45 million opioid settlement.
Khan’s previous run for office includes a bid for Philadelphia’s district attorney in 2017 where he placed second to Larry Krasner in the Democratic primary. His current role at the Curtin and Heefner law firm, where he co-chairs the appellate section handling voting and environmental rights, consolidates his legal repertoire.
Despite facing critique for his perceived partisanship from figures like former Republican Commissioner Andy Warren, Khan remains steadfast in his vision for a bipartisan, inclusive approach to the district attorney’s role in safeguarding Bucks County.
As November approaches and the political campaign heats up, residents of Bucks County are closely watching the developments, anticipating the changes Khan promises to bring if elected.
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