Criminal Justice Reform Stances
U.S. House Candidates In PA-1
Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican)
Picture from brianfitzpatrick.com
Brian Fitzpatrick supports a balanced approach to criminal justice that emphasizes public safety while also backing targeted reforms. He has supported bipartisan efforts to reduce recidivism, improve rehabilitation, and expand mental health and addiction treatment within the justice system. Fitzpatrick generally favors law enforcement funding and accountability alongside reforms that address overcrowding, reentry support, and fairness, viewing criminal justice as an area where enforcement and reform should coexist.
Bob Harvie (Democrat)
Photo curtesy of the Bob Harvie for congress campaign
Bob Harvie supports reforming the criminal justice system to make it more fair, effective, and focused on rehabilitation. He emphasizes reducing mass incarceration, expanding diversion programs, and addressing racial and economic disparities within the system. Harvie supports investing in mental health services, addiction treatment, and community-based alternatives to incarceration, believing public safety is strengthened when the system prioritizes prevention and rehabilitation over punishment alone.
Tracy Hunt (Democrat-Former Republican)
Tracy Hunt (R) protests at the No Kings Rally in Langhorne on Oct. 18. Photo contributed.
Tracy Hunt views criminal justice reform through the lens of equity and accountability. While he has not released a detailed reform platform, his public messaging suggests support for reducing over-policing, addressing sentencing disparities, and investing in social services that prevent crime. Hunt believes the justice system should focus more on rehabilitation and community stability rather than punitive approaches that disproportionately impact marginalized groups.
Lucia Simonelli (Democrat)
Democrat Lucia Simonelli. From buckscountybeacon.com
Lucia Simonelli supports major reforms to the criminal justice system and is critical of punitive and incarceration-focused policies. She advocates for reducing incarceration, ending policies that criminalize poverty and addiction, and shifting resources toward rehabilitation, mental health care, and restorative justice. Simonelli believes the justice system should prioritize fairness, accountability, and harm reduction rather than punishment-driven outcomes.
Robert “Rob” Strickler (Democrat)
Democratic hopefuls Tracy Hunt, Lucia Simonelli and Rob Strickler held a town hall Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Horsham Township Community Center. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
Robert “Rob” Strickler supports restructuring the criminal justice system to reduce inequality and limit the influence of private and corporate interests. While he has not released detailed policy proposals, his messaging indicates support for sentencing reform, alternatives to incarceration, and expanded rehabilitation programs. Strickler views criminal justice reform as necessary to build safer communities and restore trust between institutions and the public.
Pennsylvania Governor Race Candidates
Josh Shapiro (Democratic)
ShapiroPhotographer: Matt Rourke/AP Photo
Josh Shapiro supports reforming the criminal justice system while maintaining strong public safety standards. As attorney general and governor, he has emphasized accountability, law enforcement oversight, and efforts to reduce violent crime while also supporting diversion programs and sentencing reform. Shapiro believes criminal justice reform should balance fairness and safety, with an emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and trust in the justice system.
Stacy Garrity (Republican)
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity could become the state’s first female governor if she wins next year. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty
Stacy Garrity supports a law-and-order approach to criminal justice that emphasizes enforcement, accountability, and victim protection. She is skeptical of reforms she believes could weaken public safety and generally supports strong sentencing and policing policies. Garrity favors maintaining a firm justice system while supporting limited reforms that improve efficiency without reducing enforcement or penalties.
Bucks County Commissioners Race Candidates
Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia (Democrat)
Diane Ellis-Marseglia (Courtesy of Bucks United)
Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, at the county level, focuses on criminal justice through funding and oversight of local courts, corrections, and social services. She supports programs that improve rehabilitation, reentry, and mental health services while ensuring public safety remains a priority. Her approach reflects the belief that local government plays a key role in making the justice system more effective and humane.
Robert J. “Bob” Harvie Jr. (Democrat)
From bobharvieforcongress.com
Robert J. “Bob” Harvie Jr. supports criminal justice reforms that focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and reducing repeat offenses. As a county commissioner, he has emphasized investment in mental health services, diversion programs, and alternatives to incarceration. Harvie Jr. believes public safety improves when the justice system addresses root causes of crime and supports reintegration into the community.
Gene DiGirolamo (Republican)
Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo making remarks. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Gene DiGirolamo favors a public-safety-first approach to criminal justice, emphasizing strong law enforcement and accountability. While he supports efficiency improvements within the system, he is cautious about reforms that significantly reduce incarceration or enforcement. DiGirolamo believes criminal justice policy should prioritize community safety, fiscal responsibility, and respect for law enforcement authority.