28-05-2025
Candidates for Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney face off in forum
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The two Democratic candidates for Norfolk's Commonwealth Attorney, incumbent Ramin Fatehi and challenger John Butler, faced off in a forum Tuesday night.
Democratic Commonwealth's Attorney candidates debate in Norfolk
It was hosted by the Norfolk Branch NAACP, Let's Make A Difference and Citizens for Justice and was held at First United Presbyterian Church.
After meeting with residents one-on-one, a flip of a coin decided which candidate would start the forum.
Both candidates started with sharing more about their backgrounds.
Butler, a former federal prosecutor with an endorsement from Mayor Kenny Alexander, Sheriff Joe Baron and other city officials, went first.
'I believe that it's imperative that your Commonwealth Attorney deliver justice to victims by holding violent criminals accountable for the crimes they commit,' Butler said.
Fatehi was next.
He's been the Commonwealth's Attorney in Norfolk since 2022 and says crime rates and incarceration rates in the city are down. He aims to keep it that way if re-elected.
'Violent crime down 40%, homicide down 42%, property crime down 27%, the population of the Norfolk City Jail down by half, and with one exception, no children to adult prison,' Fatehi said.
Community members gathered to hear about a range of topics by each candidate, including criminal justice reform, transparency and gun violence.
Butler said safety and competence is why he's in this race, because he believes people don't feel safe in the city right now.
'Right now the current Commonwealth Attorney's office is now delivering justice to victims,' Butler said. 'They're losing far too many cases. They've had huge turnover and there's poor leadership there. There's not somebody who can work with the community.'
While things did get heated between the two, both focused on sharing what differences they wanted to make if they were to take on the position.
'I ask you to stand not just with me — it ain't about me — it's about the message,' Fatehi said. 'Make sure that we don't make the mistakes of 30 years ago, when the hurricane comes back. The lives of our brothers, our sisters, our children, depend on it. I ask for your support.'
Butler said: 'I'm asking you to look at my track record, my values, my success in the military and my success in delivering prevention and intervention programs and my vision for a safe Norfolk.'
The primary election will take place June 17 while the General Election takes place Nov. 4.
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