Diana Florence, a former prosecutor from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, has announced her candidacy to challenge current DA Alvin Bragg on an independent “Safer Manhattan” ballot line. Florence is critical of Bragg’s controversial “Day One memo” issued in January 2022, which instructed prosecutors to avoid seeking prison sentences for many criminals and to reduce felony charges in cases such as armed robberies and drug dealing.
Despite her own past controversies, including allegations of withholding evidence in major cases which led to her resignation from the DA’s office in 2020, Florence is determined to bring common sense back to the District Attorney’s office and prioritize justice over politics. She is not the only challenger to Bragg, as Maud Maron, a former public defender, is running as the Republican candidate, and Patrick Timmins, a former Bronx prosecutor and civil litigator, is challenging Bragg in the Democratic primary.
Florence, who previously ran in the Democratic primary for Manhattan DA in 2021, is focusing on holding Bragg accountable for his “Day One” memo and its repercussions. She aims to restore order and fairness in the criminal justice system and make New Yorkers feel safe in their communities. Despite facing criticism from Bragg’s campaign, Florence received a qualified rating from the New York Bar Association in the 2021 race.
If elected, Florence promises to have zero tolerance for violent crime and to vigorously prosecute quality-of-life crimes like shoplifting, vandalism, and trespassing. She also pledges to prioritize prosecuting domestic violence and sex crimes and to address hate-related crimes targeting marginalized communities.
With 25 years of experience as a prosecutor specializing in street crime, domestic violence, fraud, and corruption cases, Florence has a track record of winning convictions against individuals and companies involved in various criminal activities. Born in Manhattan and currently residing in Kips Bay with her family, Florence is committed to serving the community and ensuring justice for all New Yorkers.
