Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
In this exclusive We Talk Weekly interview, host Charles Gregory sits down with Judge Patrick Dugan, the decorated Army veteran, former President Judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court, and current candidate for District Attorney of Philadelphia.
Judge Dugan shares his inspiring journey from Frankford kid to paratrooper to judge, opening up about how his late mother’s courage shaped his life of service. He discusses:
The creation of Philadelphia’s nationally recognized Veterans Court, reducing recidivism below 10%.
His leadership during the pandemic, launching the Eviction Diversion Program that kept 46,000 families in their homes** and secured $300 million in rent relief.
His vision for restoring community trust, reviving diversion programs, and addressing gun violence while holding offenders accountable.
Why he accepted the Republican nomination as a registered Democrat, and what it means to run a “Unity Campaign” for all Philadelphians.
The importance of voting, civic engagement, and community collaboration with Mayor Parker and Commissioner Bethel.
This candid, heartfelt conversation goes beyond politics — it’s about character, compassion, and commitment to justice.
📺 Watch now*to understand who Judge Dugan is, what he stands for, and how his leadership could reshape Philadelphia’s justice system.
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# Timestamps / Chapter Markers
00:00 – Intro: Charles Gregory opens the conversation
01:00 – Who is Judge Patrick Dugan?
04:00 – His mother’s influence and lessons on courage
06:00 – Building Veterans Court and saving lives
10:00 – How the Eviction Diversion Program helped 46,000 families
13:00 – What civic engagement means to Dugan
15:00 – On low voter turnout and civic responsibility
18:00 – His journey from Democrat to Republican nominee
22:00 – Why he’s running a “Unity Campaign”
30:00 – How he’d partner with Mayor Parker and Commissioner Bethel
33:00 – Fixing the DA’s Office and hiring local talent
37:00 – Comparing Philly’s crime stats to combat zones
40:00 – His service after 9/11 and humanitarian work in Iraq
45:00 – Immigration, fairness, and accountability
50:00 – What separates him from current DA Larry Krasner
55:00 – Personal reflections: Legacy, mental health, and humility
1:00:00 – One thing no one knows about him (afraid of heights!)
1:02:00 – His proudest courtroom success story
1:05:00 – Final thoughts and call for unity
This segment is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project of The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, with lead support provided by the William Penn Foundation.
Learn more at everyvoice-everyvote.org
Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.
In this exclusive We Talk Weekly interview, host Charles Gregory sits down with Judge Patrick Dugan, the decorated Army veteran, former President Judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court, and current candidate for District Attorney of Philadelphia.
Judge Dugan shares his inspiring journey from Frankford kid to paratrooper to judge, opening up about how his late mother’s courage shaped his life of service. He discusses:
The creation of Philadelphia’s nationally recognized Veterans Court, reducing recidivism below 10%.
His leadership during the pandemic, launching the Eviction Diversion Program that kept 46,000 families in their homes** and secured $300 million in rent relief.
His vision for restoring community trust, reviving diversion programs, and addressing gun violence while holding offenders accountable.
Why he accepted the Republican nomination as a registered Democrat, and what it means to run a “Unity Campaign” for all Philadelphians.
The importance of voting, civic engagement, and community collaboration with Mayor Parker and Commissioner Bethel.
This candid, heartfelt conversation goes beyond politics — it’s about character, compassion, and commitment to justice.
📺 Watch now*to understand who Judge Dugan is, what he stands for, and how his leadership could reshape Philadelphia’s justice system.
---
# Timestamps / Chapter Markers
00:00 – Intro: Charles Gregory opens the conversation
01:00 – Who is Judge Patrick Dugan?
04:00 – His mother’s influence and lessons on courage
06:00 – Building Veterans Court and saving lives
10:00 – How the Eviction Diversion Program helped 46,000 families
13:00 – What civic engagement means to Dugan
15:00 – On low voter turnout and civic responsibility
18:00 – His journey from Democrat to Republican nominee
22:00 – Why he’s running a “Unity Campaign”
30:00 – How he’d partner with Mayor Parker and Commissioner Bethel
33:00 – Fixing the DA’s Office and hiring local talent
37:00 – Comparing Philly’s crime stats to combat zones
40:00 – His service after 9/11 and humanitarian work in Iraq
45:00 – Immigration, fairness, and accountability
50:00 – What separates him from current DA Larry Krasner
55:00 – Personal reflections: Legacy, mental health, and humility
1:00:00 – One thing no one knows about him (afraid of heights!)
1:02:00 – His proudest courtroom success story
1:05:00 – Final thoughts and call for unity
This segment is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project of The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, with lead support provided by the William Penn Foundation.
Learn more at everyvoice-everyvote.org
Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.
