Alameda DA Candidates Debate Without Current Top Prosecutor

Recalled DA Pamela Price seeks return to office, while interim DA Ursula Jones Dickson sits out the event

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:05am

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Two candidates for Alameda County district attorney attended a debate at Cal State East Bay in Hayward on Wednesday, but the current top prosecutor, interim DA Ursula Jones Dickson, was absent. Recalled DA Pamela Price, known for her progressive policies, is seeking to return to the office, while political newcomer Gopal Krishan, a family law attorney with no prosecutorial experience, is also running.

Why it matters

The Alameda County DA's race is a high-profile contest that will shape the future direction of the county's criminal justice system, with the candidates offering starkly different visions on issues like criminal justice reform and public safety.

The details

At the debate, Price touted her commitment to keeping the county safe and ensuring a fair justice system, while criticizing interim DA Dickson as being too tough on criminals. Krishan, positioning himself as an outsider, told the crowd he would work for the people, not special interests. Dickson, who was appointed after Price was recalled in 2024, chose not to participate in the debate.

  • The debate took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2026 at Cal State East Bay in Hayward.
  • The Alameda County DA's race will be decided by voters in the June 2, 2026 primary election.

The players

Pamela Price

A former Alameda County district attorney who is seeking to return to the office despite being recalled in 2024. She is known for her progressive criminal justice policies.

Ursula Jones Dickson

The current interim Alameda County district attorney, who was appointed to the position after Price was recalled. She chose not to participate in the debate.

Gopal Krishan

A family law attorney with no prior prosecutorial experience who is running as a political outsider in the Alameda County DA's race.

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What they’re saying

“My top priority is keeping the people of Alameda County safe and making sure that our justice system is fair for everyone. Justice is in my DNA.”

— Pamela Price, Former Alameda County District Attorney

“The news of today reaffirms my commitment to win this race. Donald Trump is deploying Gestapo troops around the country. We are on his hit list.”

— Pamela Price, Former Alameda County District Attorney

“I think you need a new person who knows and can work for you, not for the businesses, not for the corporations, not for the police associations.”

— Gopal Krishan, Candidate for Alameda County District Attorney

What’s next

The Alameda County DA's race will be decided by voters in the June 2, 2026 primary election.

The takeaway

The Alameda County DA's race is a high-stakes contest that will shape the future of the county's criminal justice system, with the candidates offering starkly different visions on issues like criminal justice reform and public safety. The absence of the current interim DA, Ursula Jones Dickson, from the debate underscores the divisive nature of the race.