Portland’s Progressive Prosecutor Faces Tough Challenge from Colleague

In a heated re-election bid for the top prosecutor position in Portland, Oregon, incumbent Mike Schmidt is facing off against his deputy, Nathan Vasquez. The race has intensified as Vasquez has blamed Schmidt for the city’s recent surge in crime and drug-related issues.

Portland residents have expressed frustration with the city’s problems, including record-high homicide rates, business closures, homelessness, and a spike in opioid overdose deaths. In response to voter concerns, Schmidt has shifted his focus to prioritizing law and order, supporting a rollback of Oregon’s drug decriminalization law and increasing resources for prosecuting violent crimes. His efforts have led to a significant decrease in car theft numbers, which he has highlighted as progress in addressing crime in the city.

The election has broader implications for the criminal justice system, as voters across the West Coast have shown a desire for tougher measures on crime. Recent elections in Seattle and San Francisco saw the election of prosecutors focused on cracking down on low-level offenses. Vasquez, a former Republican, is positioning himself as a candidate willing to prosecute all types of criminal behavior, contrasting with Schmidt’s previous emphasis on de-prioritizing low-level crimes.

With only two candidates on the ballot in the nonpartisan primary, the outcome of the election will determine who leads the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office next year. The race reflects a larger trend of voters seeking a more aggressive approach to addressing crime and public safety concerns.