Progressive Oregon district attorney ousted as voters prioritize 'law and order'

The progressive district attorney's ousting is hoped for by those living and working in Portland, Oregon, as it would change the permissive attitude towards crime.

"According to former Portland news videographer Andy Chandler, voters' decision was for law and order, not the hollow and empty gesture concept of law and order that he believes they have experienced for four years."

In the nonpartisan primary election held on Tuesday, Nathan Vasquez, a seasoned prosecutor, emerged victorious over his boss, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. Vasquez's campaign focused on a tough stance against crime and he garnered support from various police unions, crime victims, and business owners.

"Tara Faul, a street photographer and homeschooling mom, told Planet Chronicle Digital that "[Vasquez] can start serving victims instead of criminals." She criticized Schmidt's approach, stating that "his MO seemed to be just letting these people back out and letting them re-offend, and it became pretty hopeless.""

During the peak of Portland's 2020 protests, Schmidt, who received campaign funds from groups associated with liberal billionaire George Soros, assumed office. He subsequently declared that he would not prosecute the most common riot-related charges.

The issue of a revolving door at the jail goes beyond protesters, as Portland Police Bureau officers have arrested alleged drug dealers, thieves, and repeat offenders, only to have them reappear on the streets within hours.

Unfortunately, that's the reality of our work and it's not within our control, as officer David Baer stated in January.

In 2020, the DA's office filed charges in only 47% of the cases it received, but this rate has been increasing steadily, reaching 60% in 2022. However, during the same time frame, police sent fewer cases to Schmidt, as per data provided to Planet Chronicle by the district attorney's office in spring 2022.

According to Faul and others in Portland, these policies contributed to an increase in crime and a sense of lawlessness in the city.

Since 1995, Charles Froelick, owner of an art gallery near downtown Portland, has stated that the area has been a war zone for drug dealing and petty crime for at least four years.

Oregon's strict pandemic response in 2020 and subsequent riots led to a significant decrease in walk-in traffic, according to Froelick.

""People with children are saying they don't want their children to witness the activity on the streets and sidewalks," he said."

This week, Faul stated that a man stole her child's guitar from her home's front porch during the day, with her family present, and the incident was recorded on their Ring camera. Despite this, she hasn't filed a police report and is unsure if it's worth the effort.

"It seems like a waste of time, and many people who have been stolen from feel the same way," she said. "The thieves are aware they can evade consequences."

During his tenure, Schmidt advocated for numerous criminal justice reforms, including removing mandatory minimum sentences for non-murder felonies, establishing a court that prioritizes rehabilitation and behavioral health support for individuals charged with certain felonies, and promoting the decriminalization of drugs in Oregon.

This year, he reversed course on the proposal to recriminalize hard drugs, following a sharp backlash from Oregonians.

Vasquez stated that he is dedicated to stopping open-air drug dealing and drug use, connecting individuals to treatment, repairing the broken relationships between the DA's office and the community, and prioritizing the needs of victims in his office.

Despite a decrease in violent crimes like homicides and shootings since hitting record highs in 2022, Portlanders believe there is still much room for improvement, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Even with Vasquez winning the race, rebuilding trust and safety downtown will still take years, according to Chandler, who frequently discusses this topic on his podcast NW Fresh.

The replacement of a longtime liberal stalwart with a newcomer who was previously a Republican and later registered as an Independent in 2017 represents a significant shift in the reliably-liberal Portland area. Froelick confessed that he likely voted for Schmidt in 2020, but no longer supports the Democratic ticket straight-up.

"He told Planet Chronicle Digital that he couldn't trust Democrat policies for the economy and law and order, and that he needed a change."

Froelick stated that he continues to back assisting individuals with behavioral health issues, yet emphasized the importance of responsibility.

"Nathan Vasquez's arrival in office should send a message to criminals that they won't be allowed to easily move to the city and commit crimes or deal drugs."

On Thursday, the returns showed Vasquez winning the race with over 53% of the vote, while Schmidt received 46%. Schmidt conceded the race the next day, stating in a media statement, "Although we may not always agree, I am committed to a peaceful transition."

Unless Schmidt resigns early, Vasquez will not officially assume office until January.

Schmidt's office did not respond to a request for comment.

Click here to hear more from Portlanders about the election results.