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.
At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria's conflict
Steelers bolster offensive line, take Troy Fautanu from Washington with 20th pick in NFL draft
The 49ers take Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 30th pick in the NFL draft
Bell's RBI single in 10th lifts Marlins to 3
Police officers who Tasered 93
Ravens pick Clemson CB Nate Wiggins in the first round, adding depth and speed to their secondary
Victims of UK's infected blood scandal to receive final compensation payments
Landmark Paris trial of Syrian officials accused of torturing, killing a father and his son starts
Lions trade up in first round of NFL draft, take Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold