Democrat Danny Ceisler Defeats Fred Harran in Bucks County Sheriff Race
Democratic challenger Danny Ceisler has won the Bucks County sheriff race, defeating the Republican incumbent Fred Harran. With over 95% of precincts reporting, Ceisler secured more than 54% of the votes. This victory marks a significant shift in the county’s law enforcement leadership.
Election Details
- Candidates: Danny Ceisler (Democrat) vs. Fred Harran (Republican)
- Location: Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Vote Percentage: Ceisler – over 54%, Harran – less than 46%
About Danny Ceisler
Ceisler, 33, a U.S. Army veteran, relocated to Bristol Borough in 2020. He advocates for taking politics out of law enforcement and prioritizing public safety. Ahead of the election, he expressed a desire to end the county’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Key Points from Ceisler’s Campaign
- Focus on public safety without political interference.
- Terminate collaboration with ICE, viewed by many voters as problematic.
- Emphasize community trust and safety over federal immigration enforcement.
Reactions and Controversies
In his first term, Harran, 61, faced backlash for signing a 287(g) agreement with ICE, which allowed local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement. A judge ruled that this agreement was lawful, despite concerns over potential racial profiling.
Public Sentiment
Voters in Bucks County responded strongly to Ceisler’s message, signaling a preference for approaches that do not involve ICE collaboration. Ceisler highlighted this outcome as a critical signal to law enforcement nationally regarding ICE partnerships and their reception among local populations.
Ceisler’s victory reflects a broader trend in local elections where immigration enforcement policies are increasingly scrutinized. His commitment to enhancing public safety while distancing law enforcement from federal immigration roles appears to resonate with the electorate.
