Soros-linked prosecutor faces primary challenge as fellow Democrat targets his record

Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Stephen Descano, a Democrat, is facing a primary challenge from Brittany Dunn-Pirio, a former federal prosecutor who says his office suffers from systemic problems. Dunn-Pirio announced her campaign this week, arguing on her campaign website that she would rather work in Descano's office than run against it if it "were doing its job." She said the race centers on whether prosecutors can distinguish between nonviolent first-time offenders and violent or sexual offenders, and on whether deadlines are met, evidence is turned over to defendants, and victims are contacted, according to Fox News.

Dunn-Pirio, who identifies as a Democrat herself, said the dispute isn't about whether criminal justice reform was the right approach but about basic competence in the office. She cited botched sexual assault cases and instances where prosecutors failed to meet with victims, and argued the system too often favors the "well-connected."

Descano campaign spokesman Nathan Kiker defended the incumbent, telling Fox News Digital that Descano has proven the justice system can be reformed while keeping the community safe, crediting his focus on accountability and root causes of crime for Fairfax County being ranked the safest large county in the nation. The challenge follows scrutiny of Descano's office over its handling of cases involving illegal immigrant defendants, including that of Abdul Jalloh, an immigrant from Sierra Leone charged with murdering Stephanie Minter, who was stabbed to death at a Hybla Valley bus stop in February after Jalloh had repeatedly been arrested previously.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →