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.
UK court rules that extension of UK police powers to intervene in protests is unlawful
Spanish city of Barcelona celebrates day of books and love
Goldman Sachs upbeat on A shares
Caitlin Clark returns for 2nd half against Sun after apparent left leg injury in 1st half
Caitlin Clark returns for 2nd half against Sun after apparent left leg injury in 1st half
Nicaragua severs diplomatic relations with Ecuador after assault on Mexican embassy
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Chemical and biological methods help restore ancient books in north China