PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In Oregon’s Multnomah County, home to Portland, the progressive district attorney who took office during the social justice movement of 2020 is being challenged by a candidate vowing to be tough on crime, highlighting the growing pressure on liberal prosecutors across the U.S. amid voter concerns over public drug use and disorder.
District Attorney Mike Schmidt’s term began as the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota sparked nightly protests in Portland and a larger national conversation about criminal justice reform. But in the past four years, progressive DAs and candidates in liberal bastions ranging from the San Francisco Bay Area to Seattle have faced setbacks as frustrations over public safety and homelessness have risen.
Now, political experts are looking to Portland to see whether such issues could spur a similar shift in the city’s electorate. Schmidt is being challenged by one of his own deputies, Nathan Vasquez, a prosecutor in that office for over 20 years.
Andretti Global makes key engineering hire in bid to earn a spot in Formula 1
Flood and landslide hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island, killing 14
Republicans file lawsuit to block count of Nevada mail ballots received after Election Day
Rockies lead from start to finish for the first time this year in 3
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
Apple, Amgen rise; Expedia, Fortinet fall, Friday, 5/3/2024
Williams brothers star for Athletic Bilbao in win over Getafe
DeLuca has 3 RBIs in season debut after being out with broken hand and Rays beat Mets 10
Republicans file lawsuit to block count of Nevada mail ballots received after Election Day
Election deniers moving closer to GOP mainstream as Trump allies fill Congress, report shows
Gambling bill to allow lottery and slots remains stalled in the Alabama Senate