Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Progressive Portland-Area DA Dumped by Voters

Just days into his tenure Schmidt angered local law enforcement and some of the public when he refused to prosecute most suspects arrested during the 2020 George Floyd protests and riots.

by Staff
May 23, 2024
2 min to read


The people of Multnomah County, Oregon, have voted out progressive District Attorney Mike Schmidt, who was supported by groups associated with George Soros.

Voters in the county, which includes Portland, selected Nathan Vasquez as the next district attorney in a non-partisan primary Tuesday.

Ad Loading...

Vasquez, who has been a prosecutor in Multnomah County for more than two decades, ran a tough-on-crime crime campaign against Schmidt's more progressive one. Political observers said a defeat for Schmidt would be a referendum on his progressive ideas of prosecuting crime, KATU reports.

Just days into his tenure Schmidt angered local law enforcement and some of the public when he refused to prosecute most suspects arrested during the 2020 George Floyd protests and riots.

The bruising race between Schmidt and Vasquez made history, raking in record amounts of cash. Downtown business interests backed Vasquez and reform-minded donors, including a group with ties to Democratic megadonor George Soros, infused Schmidt’s coffers with last-minute donations, The Oregonian reports.

Schmidt, 43, campaigned on what he described as his accomplishments: a reduction in car and catalytic converter thefts and the start of a specialty court focused on rehabilitation over incarceration for some violent offenders. He also touted his efforts to advocate for big-picture policies like making minor drug possession a crime again.

Vasquez, 47, zeroed in on what he characterized as Schmidt’s failure to lead, whether it was on crime, the state of downtown Portland or within the office. He accused Schmidt of sitting on the sidelines as the public use of fentanyl proliferated and called attention to Schmidt’s shifting views of Measure 110, Oregon’s first-in-the-nation drug decriminalization law.

Ad Loading...

Vazquez told KATU he’s “looking to end open-air drug dealing, and then helping connect those individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder to treatment.”


He added that crime victims would be his number one priority.

More Patrol

Black background with image of police car light bar, logo for POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips, and headline What are the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 25, 2026

Garmont Tactical’s LE Boot Lineup

In this video, we get a look at the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical, both for men and women. Kyle Ferdyn, sales manager, showcases four of the latest boots.

Read More →
Person in protective CMRN suit and breathing gear.
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Avon Protection Launches EXOSKIN-S2 High-Performance CBRN Protective Suit

With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.

Read More →
Sky background with logos for Versatern and Aloft
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Versaterm Acquires Aloft to Unlock a New Era of Drones for Public Safety

Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Clooudy sky background with a lot of blue, logo for DroneSense, and dates and location of an upcoming event.
PatrolFebruary 11, 2026

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations

The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.

Read More →
Thumnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips featuring a black background with police car lights and headline What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 11, 2026

What Makes a Good LE Boot?

Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.

Read More →
Red fabric background with blue and white Folds of Honor logo.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders

The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Closeup of hands reaching to pick up a ballistic helmet and a Team Wendy logo in a white box top center in the image.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals

With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.

Read More →
backgroudn image of desert with inset 5.11 logo and images of pant and boot.
PatrolJanuary 28, 2026

5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show

5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.

Read More →
Three tactical backpacks set against a desert background with an inset logo for 5.11.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show

5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue background with Streamlight logo at top and inset images of one handgun light, two rifle lights, and one handheld light.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show

Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →