NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The two Democratic candidates for Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney had a spirited debate during a forum Wednesday at the East Ocean View Community Center ahead of the June primary, with the incumbent touting declining crime rates, while his challenger said more work remains.

While no cameras were allowed inside to record the forum, the packed room was full of emotion from both candidates and residents, with crime the top concern.

Incumbent Ramin Fatehi emphasized crime rates being down across the city, while his challenger, John Butler, said there is more work to be done.

“We want to see a strong Norfolk, Butler said.

Fatehi, however, said the news in the city is good, with violent crime down 40%.

“The very fact that one of the biggest topics was stealing and shoplifting and not murder, rapes and robberies tells us how good we have it right now compared to where we were just a few short years ago,” Fatehi said.

Butler, however, brought up Fatehi’s opposition to a lower felony larceny threshold.

“My opponent, he has a different philosophy on things,” Butler said. “The General Assembly has put the felony larceny level at $1,000, and my opponent has said he’s not going to charge people unless its over $2,500.”

Both candidates addressed voters in Ocean View. Fatehi has served as Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney since 2022, while Butler is a former federal prosecutor. Both candidates emphasize the need for collaboration with Norfolk City Council. The current Norfolk mayor backs Butler.

“This election is a choice,” Fatehi said. “It is a choice between safety and criminal justice reform and forward progress on one side, and the return to the old and failed ways on the other.”

Said Butler: “We want to prevent people from continuing to commit crimes, so there has to be consequences for your actions, so it’s pretty simple, but he doesn’t believe in that.”

The primary election will take place June 17 while the General Election takes place Nov. 4.