Philadelphia Democratic Attorney General Larry Krasner on Tuesday night survived a tough primary challenge, but could face his opponent in November if the challenger receives enough Republican write-in votes to advance. 

Judge Pat Dugan challenged Krasner for the Democratic nomination, but because no Republicans are seeking the position, he could still advance to November's election if he gets enough Republican write-in votes, along with Democratic support. 

The race is considered a toss-up, despite being a predominantly Democratic area. 

Dugan, who has served as judge for over a decade, told CBS News he would take a more localized approach to being DA if elected. 

"Seventeen years on the bench, a job that I absolutely love, but what I've seen the last seven years as a citizen, again, living in Philadelphia his whole life," Dugan said. "What I saw for the past seven years was enough to make me get off the steps to go try and make a difference in our city."  

Dugan has the support of Philadelphia's Republican Party, which encouraged voters to write his name in as the GOP nominee. If he has at least 1,000 write-in votes as the Republican nominee then he will advance, according to Fox News. 

The unusual challenge comes as Krasner faces heavy backlash for his relaxed approach to crime in the liberal city, including an increase in homicides from Krasner's first term in office. He also stopped charging people for offenses like marijuana possession, eliminated cash bail for certain offenders, and has sought lenient sentences.

Dugan will still need to accept the Republican nomination if he secures enough support from both parties to advance.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.