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.
Russian general who criticized equipment shortages in Ukraine is arrested on bribery charges
Supreme Court sides with music producer in copyright case over sample in Flo Rida hit
Boy aged TEN is accused of 'abhorrent' sexual assault of Italian tourist, 23
What to stream: Lenny Kravitz, South Park, 'Dune: Part 2'
Utilities complete contentious land swap to clear way for power line in Mississippi River refuge
GOP runoffs to determine nominees for Congress, lieutenant governor and auditor
Ikea recreates Doja Cat's avant
UN maritime tribunal says countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution
Senate scrambles to pass bill improving air safety and service for travelers
What to stream: Lenny Kravitz, South Park, 'Dune: Part 2'
ASU scholar on leave after confrontation with woman at pro