Why Millis Democracy Endorses Djuna Perkins for Norfolk County DA
Our endorsement
Millis Democracy endorses Djuna Perkins for Norfolk County District Attorney on November 3.
The DA race rarely gets the attention of the top of the ballot, but few offices touch daily life in Millis more directly. The Norfolk DA's office handles criminal prosecutions in 27 cities and towns south and west of Boston, ours included. It decides which cases get brought, how victims are treated, and whether the law applies the same way to everyone.
A trust problem we can't ignore
Outgoing DA Michael Morrissey came under heavy criticism for his office's handling of two cases: the Karen Read prosecution and the investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore, a 23-year-old pregnant woman authorities allege was killed by a Stoughton police officer.
After two Read trials ended with only an OUI conviction, the office offered the public no statement. Whatever anyone thinks of the verdict, silence from the county's top prosecutor is not how public trust gets rebuilt.
Djuna Perkins saw this early. She launched her campaign in 2024, shortly after federal agents arrested former Stoughton detective Matthew Farwell in the Birchmore case, and well before Morrissey announced his retirement. Challenging an entrenched incumbent was not the safe move. She made it anyway.
Experience for the job
Perkins, a Dedham resident, has 34 years as a Massachusetts lawyer. Nearly 10 of those were as a prosecutor, serving as an Assistant Attorney General and as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, where she supervised dozens of attorneys and thousands of cases. She has spent 20 more years representing crime victims and investigating abuse in schools and workplaces.
She has tried cases in District and Superior Court and argued before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. That is the daily work of a DA's office, and she has done it.
The people who supervised her vouch for her. She is endorsed by former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, former Suffolk DA Ralph Martin, and Progressive Massachusetts. In September, Norfolk County Democrats chose her from a field of seven in the primary.
What she stands for
Perkins has put her mission plainly: no one should be treated differently under the law because of political connections, money, or privilege. Protect victims. Prosecute those who harm others. Keep every resident safe.
Her plan follows from that. She has committed to rebuilding the office around professionalism and high ethical standards, investigating the Stoughton Police Department's youth programs in light of the Birchmore case, and working directly with Norfolk County's communities to earn back trust.
At Millis Democracy, we talk often about what happens when power escapes accountability. Equal justice under law is one of the oldest checks we have. Djuna Perkins wants to restore it in Norfolk County, and we want to help her do it.
Vote November 3
Djuna Perkins faces former state prosecutor Joe Pagliarulo in the general election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Check your polling place and early voting options at sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA, and bring a neighbor.
Learn more, volunteer, or donate at djunaperkins.com.
Millis backed Djuna in September. Let's finish the job.
Sources
- Djuna Perkins wins Norfolk DA Democratic primary, Boston.com
- Djuna Perkins claims victory in Norfolk DA Democratic primary, Boston Globe
- Djuna Perkins is best prepared to lead Norfolk DA's office, Boston Globe letters
- Opponents criticize Norfolk DA's silence after Karen Read verdict, NBC Boston
- The Martin Institute Welcomes Djuna Perkins, Stonehill College
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