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The race for Allegheny County DA is heating up as the two candidates will face off in a debate Thursday.
The long-time incumbent Stephen Zappala is running as a Republican after earning the write-in vote during the primary, but recently affiliated with the centrist Forward party.
He's running on pushing to address crime concerns in Allegheny County, especially downtown, including support police in their role.
Additionally, he's advocating for continued use of special courts to address those with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Meanwhile, Democrat Matt Dugan entered the race pushing for change in the office, that would include what he sees as a more holistic approach to crime.
He has campaigned on the idea that the traditional avenues do not work to reduce gun violence and crime.
The debate is tonight at 8:00 on KDKA+ and streaming on CBS News Pittsburgh.