Centrist candidate Nathan Vasquez has defeated incumbent progressive Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt in Oregon, signaling a shift towards a tougher stance on crime after the state re-criminalized drug use. Vasquez's victory aligns with the recent rollback of decriminalization measures amidst concerns over overdose fatalities and public safety.
Oregon's Multnomah County has elected Nathan Vasquez as its new District Attorney, ousting incumbent Mike Schmidt in a resounding win. Vasquez ran on a tough-on-crime platform, promising to address the city's drug crisis and tackle public safety concerns. His victory marks a shift in the political landscape and reflects growing frustrations with previous policies that prioritized alternatives to imprisonment.
Vasquez, a former deputy prosecutor under Schmidt, received over 50% of the vote in the nonpartisan primary election. Schmidt conceded defeat during a phone call on Wednesday. Vasquez, who has been endorsed by several police groups, expressed gratitude for Schmidt's service and pledged to work towards a safer Multnomah County.
Schmidt's tenure began amidst nationwide calls for criminal justice reform following the police killing of George Floyd. In line with progressive policies adopted by DAs in other cities, Schmidt supported alternatives to incarceration and declined to prosecute protesters unless they were arrested for specific offenses such as property damage or violence.
However, Portland faced ongoing racial justice demonstrations that often escalated into chaos. Schmidt's decision to decline prosecution for certain low-level crimes drew criticism from some who argued that it enabled criminals and compromised public safety. This criticism intensified as drug-related overdose deaths rose sharply.
In response to public pressure, state lawmakers reversed the 2020 voter-approved measure that had decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs. Schmidt endorsed this move, acknowledging the need to address the growing drug crisis.
Vasquez's campaign centered on reversing these policies and taking a more aggressive approach to crime. He vowed to end open-air drug dealing and drug use, rebuild relationships with the community, and prioritize victims. This message resonated with voters who had witnessed the consequences of the previous approach.
Vasquez's victory aligns with similar trends in other liberal bastions, where voters have expressed dissatisfaction with progressive district attorneys who have been perceived as soft on crime. It remains to be seen whether Vasquez can deliver on his promises and effectively address the challenges facing Multnomah County, but his election marks a significant shift in the political landscape and signals a renewed emphasis on public safety.
