In Oregon, Nathan Vasquez, a centrist district attorney candidate, defeated his progressive incumbent opponent by running on a tough-on-crime platform. Vasquez, who previously served as a deputy prosecutor to Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, received over 50% of the vote in the nonpartisan primary election. Despite Schmidt conceding the election, Vasquez expressed gratitude for his professionalism and service to the community. He looks forward to working with colleagues, community partners, and the public to create a safer environment in Multnomah County.
Schmidt had come into office amidst calls for criminal justice reform following the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota and amid racial justice protests in Portland and other cities. Schmidt, like other district attorneys in liberal areas, had supported alternatives to imprisonment and refrained from prosecuting low-level crimes to address social inequities in the criminal justice system. However, critics argue that such policies enable criminals and present risks to public safety. The election of Vasquez reflects a shift towards a tougher stance on crime in response to rising concerns about safety and criminal activity.
Following his election, Vasquez announced a change in policy regarding the prosecution of protesters in Portland, stating that his office would not pursue charges unless deliberate property damage, theft, or the use or threat of force was involved. He also highlighted Schmidt’s support for a voter-approved measure in 2020 that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs. However, earlier this year, state lawmakers revoked this law and reinstated criminal penalties for “personal use” possession due to a significant increase in overdose fatalities. Schmidt supported this reversal, indicating a shift in the approach to drug-related offenses.
One of Vasquez’s key priorities is to address open-air drug dealing and drug use while providing access to treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. He also aims to rebuild the relationship between the DA’s office and the community and ensure that victims are prioritized within the justice system. The election of Vasquez signals a departure from the policies of his predecessor and a move towards a more proactive approach to tackling public safety issues in Multnomah County. Schmidt’s campaign has not responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital, and additional reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
The election of Nathan Vasquez as the new district attorney in Multnomah County, Oregon, reflects a broader trend towards a tougher stance on crime in response to rising concerns about public safety and criminal activities. Schmidt’s progressive policies, including alternatives to imprisonment and refraining from prosecuting low-level crimes, have faced criticism for enabling criminals and posing risks to community safety. Vasquez’s victory signals a shift in approach towards addressing issues such as drug addiction, open-air drug dealing, and community-police relationships, with a focus on ensuring that victims are prioritized within the justice system. The recent policy changes and election results highlight the ongoing debate over the role of district attorneys in promoting public safety and addressing social inequities within the criminal justice system.
