In a surprising turn of events in Oregon’s Multnomah County, centrist district attorney candidate Nathan Vasquez has defeated the progressive incumbent prosecutor, Mike Schmidt. Vasquez, who was endorsed by several police groups, ran a campaign emphasizing his tough-on-crime stance. After winning the nonpartisan primary election with over 50% of the vote, Vasquez expressed his gratitude to voters and thanked Schmidt for his service. This victory comes at a time when progressive prosecutors in liberal cities like Portland are facing challenges due to concerns over public safety and homelessness.
Schmidt was initially elected in 2020 during a period of social justice protests, campaigning on criminal justice reform and focusing on initiatives to review wrongful convictions and prioritize prosecutions of violent crimes over low-level offenses. However, Vasquez criticized some of Schmidt’s policies, including his decision not to prosecute protesters arrested during the 2020 demonstrations for non-violent offenses and his past support for Measure 110, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs. Amid a spike in overdose fatalities, state lawmakers rolled back the law and reinstated criminal penalties for drug possession, a move supported by Schmidt.
Vasquez, who has been a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office for over 20 years, vowed to tackle issues like open-air drug dealing, drug use, and building stronger relationships between the DA’s office and the community. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing victims and connecting individuals to treatment. His win signifies a shift towards a more traditional approach to law enforcement in Multnomah County, signaling a desire for change among voters. Vasquez’s experience as a deputy district attorney and his long tenure in the criminal justice system likely contributed to his success in the election.
The defeat of a progressive incumbent like Schmidt, who championed criminal justice reform, reflects a broader trend seen in other cities where progressive DAs are facing backlash over rising crime rates and public safety concerns. The election results in Multnomah County suggest a shift towards more conservative approaches to law enforcement and prosecution, emphasizing a tough-on-crime stance. With Vasquez’s victory, there may be changes in how the DA’s office handles prosecutions, particularly in cases related to drug offenses and public safety. Voters have sent a clear message about their desire for a different direction in addressing crime and community relations.
As Vasquez prepares to take office, he will face the challenge of living up to his campaign promises and delivering on his commitments to prioritize victims, crack down on drug-related crimes, and rebuild relationships with the community. His experience in the criminal justice system and his focus on traditional law enforcement strategies may appeal to those seeking a change in direction from the previous progressive policies. The implications of his victory in Multnomah County extend beyond local politics, reflecting broader shifts in attitudes towards criminal justice reform and law enforcement priorities. The outcome of this election could have ripple effects in other cities facing similar challenges and decisions regarding prosecution and public safety.
