Norfolk County DA race heads to voters Tuesday

Needham and Dedham residents head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to pick a new Norfolk County district attorney for the first time in 16 years.

Democrat Djuna Perkins, a Dedham resident, faces independent candidate Joseph Pagliarulo, of Millis, in the only contested general election for district attorney in Greater Boston, according to Serpa Law’s analysis of the 2026 DA primaries. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The seat opened after District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced in January 2026 that he would not seek reelection. Morrissey was elected in 2010 and took office in January 2011. His announcement followed scrutiny of the Karen Read murder trials and the death of Sandra Birchmore.

Both candidates said those cases drove them to run, the Needham Observer reported.

The candidates

Perkins entered the race in September 2024 after publicly calling for Morrissey’s resignation. She won the seven-candidate Democratic primary Sept. 1 with 30.5% of the districtwide vote, according to the Observer.

A former assistant attorney general and assistant district attorney, Perkins entered private practice in 2003. Her work has included representing survivors of sexual abuse and harassment and conducting investigations for educational institutions and employers, according to her campaign biography.

She told the Observer she would prioritize preventive training to protect women and children, review the Birchmore case and publish her findings.

Pagliarulo announced his campaign in March 2026. He campaigns as an independent under the slogan “Take Politics Out of Prosecution” and appears on the official candidate list as unenrolled.

His campaign biography describes more than 18 years as a Boston prosecutor and more than three decades of courtroom experience. He has also worked as a defense attorney and supervised lawyers at the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court.

Pagliarulo told the Observer he would appoint an experienced district court supervisor, review prior Superior Court charges for evidentiary support and expand rehabilitation and mental health court programs.

What’s at stake

The district attorney oversees criminal prosecutions, charging decisions and prosecutorial priorities in the district, which includes Needham and Dedham.

The winner begins a four-year term Jan. 6, 2027, under state law.

Both candidates have pledged to overhaul the office, review past decisions and rebuild community trust.