In Oregon, a centrist district attorney candidate, Nathan Vasquez, has defeated the incumbent progressive opponent, Mike Schmidt, in the nonpartisan primary election. Vasquez, who previously served as a deputy prosecutor in Multnomah County, received more than 50% of the vote and was endorsed by several police groups. Schmidt, who came into office amid calls for criminal justice reform following the killing of George Floyd, had implemented policies to reduce prosecution of low-level crimes in an effort to address social inequities in the criminal justice system. However, critics argued that these policies enabled criminals and posed risks to public safety.
Following racial justice demonstrations in Portland, Schmidt had announced that his office would not prosecute protesters unless they were arrested for specific offenses such as deliberate property damage or violent acts. He also supported a voter-approved measure decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs, which was later rolled back by state lawmakers due to a spike in overdose fatalities. Vasquez, in contrast, expressed his commitment to ending open-air drug dealing and drug use, connecting individuals to treatment, rebuilding relationships between the DA’s office and the community, and prioritizing victims in the criminal justice system.
Vasquez’s victory comes at a time when other progressive district attorneys in liberal cities like San Francisco and Seattle have faced setbacks due to public frustration over rising crime rates. These DAs have advocated for alternatives to imprisonment and reducing incarceration rates, while critics argue that these policies have led to increased criminal activity. Vasquez emphasized his intention to work with colleagues in the DA’s office, community partners, and the public to create a safer Multnomah County for all residents. While Schmidt has not publicly commented on his defeat, Vasquez expressed gratitude for his professionalism and service to the community.
As the new district attorney in Multnomah County, Vasquez will face challenges in balancing public safety concerns, community relationships, and criminal justice reform initiatives. The recent rollback of the drug decriminalization measure in Oregon highlights the complexities of addressing substance abuse issues while also enforcing the law. Vasquez’s victory reflects a shift in priorities towards addressing crime and public safety in the region, as progressive policies that prioritize social equity face backlash from some members of the community. It remains to be seen how Vasquez will navigate these challenges and fulfill his promises to the voters of Multnomah County.
