Sources say defense attorney Charles Gibbs is “seriously considering” running for Philadelphia District Attorney

Defense attorney Charles Gibbs is “seriously considering” running for Philadelphia district attorney, according to two sources with knowledge of his thinking.

Gibbs, who works for the high-profile law firm McMonagle Perri, has not decided to formally challenge prosecutor Larry Krasner but has had multiple conversations with political operatives and fundraisers about it, said sources who have spoken on the condition. anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Gibbs declined to comment.

Gibbs and his firm, which represents such prominent figures as Meek Mill and Bill Cosby, also frequently defend Philadelphia police officers accused of misconduct.

He and his colleagues made repeated legal appearances against Krasner and his prosecutors – including persuading a judge to dismiss charges against Officer Ryan Pownall, who shot a man in the back as he fled a traffic stop with a gun. The firm also represents former officer Mark Dial, who shot and killed Eddie Irizarry as he sat in a car with a knife in Kensington.

A West Philadelphia native, Gibbs has deep ties to Philadelphia politics, having previously worked for former Council Speaker Darrell L. Clarke and on various political campaigns. He is married to Common Pleas Court Judge Monica Gibbs, who was elected judge in 2022 and currently serves as Solicitor of Darby Borough in Delaware County.

If Gibbs decides to enter the race, he will face incumbent Krasner, who is expected to announce soon that he will seek a third term. If re-elected, Krasner would be only the second top prosecutor, after former District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham, to serve a third term.

Sources say Municipal Court Judge Patrick F. Dugan is also seriously considering running. Dugan would have to resign from his seat if he declared himself a candidate.

Campaigns for this position will likely gain momentum after the holidays, before the primaries scheduled for April 23. In Philadelphia, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 7 to 1, whoever wins the primary has a good chance of winning office in November.