Progressive district attorney Mike Schmidt has been defeated in his bid for reelection in Portland by his deputy Nathan Vasquez, who positioned himself as tougher on crime. This marks the third time in recent years that a major West Coast city has replaced its DA due to concerns about crime. Portland’s vote comes amidst the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and a surge in drug overdoses that led to a state of emergency declaration.
Schmidt acknowledged his defeat in a statement, congratulating Vasquez on his victory. While the results of the election have not yet been certified, unofficial results show Vasquez leading with 53.3% of the vote compared to Schmidt’s 46.3%. Vasquez, a prosecutor since 2001, focused on public safety as a key part of his campaign platform, emphasizing the importance of enforcing laws for all crimes, big and small.
In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Vasquez emphasized that the Portland community remains progressive and is seeking a balance between upholding values and ensuring public safety. He believes that the community is ready for a new vision that prioritizes public safety while still respecting progressive values. Vasquez highlighted the need to address issues that have gone off track and to deliver public safety in a professional manner.
The shakeup in Portland comes in the context of a fentanyl state of emergency declared in January due to a spike in overdoses. Oregon’s Governor signed legislation to re-criminalize the possession of certain drugs after the state had decriminalized all drug possession three years prior. This shift in policy indicates a growing concern about public safety issues in the city and the state as a whole.
Similar public safety concerns have influenced prosecutor races in other West Coast cities, with voters in San Francisco recalling their District Attorney over progressive policies that were perceived as compromising safety. In Seattle, voters elected a Republican city attorney over a challenger calling for the abolition of jails and police. In Los Angeles, District Attorney Gascón has faced two recall efforts ahead of his upcoming election in November. The trend of prioritizing public safety in prosecutor races reflects growing concerns about crime and safety in West Coast cities.
Overall, the shift in Portland’s district attorney race highlights a broader trend of prioritizing public safety and law enforcement in response to rising crime rates and drug-related issues on the West Coast. Voters are seeking a balance between progressive values and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their communities. The election of Nathan Vasquez as the new district attorney signals a desire for a different approach that emphasizes public safety while still upholding progressive ideals. The outcome of this election reflects the evolving priorities and concerns of residents in the face of ongoing challenges in their communities.
