Portland, Oregon – In a tightly contested race for Multnomah County District Attorney, preliminary precinct-level voting patterns from Tuesday’s results show incumbent Mike Schmidt securing support in inner Northeast and Southeast Portland neighborhoods, while challenger Nathan Vasquez dominated in precincts in western and eastern areas of the county.
According to partial returns, Vasquez currently holds a lead of 56% to 44% over Schmidt, with a significant number of ballots still awaiting tallying. Despite this, Vasquez has refrained from declaring victory out of respect for Schmidt, the position, and the community, expressing optimism about the election outcome.
Schmidt, known for his progressive approach to criminal justice, did not respond to requests for comments on the race. However, at his recent campaign event, he expressed gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the campaign.
Analysts, like John Horvick from DHM Research, predict Vasquez’s victory based on the current partial returns. The breakdown of voter support across the county indicates distinct preferences among residents in various areas of Portland.
To secure victory, Schmidt needed substantial support from inner east side precincts, but he fell short of the necessary percentage to overcome Vasquez’s strong backing in other parts of the county. The dynamic playing out highlights differing perspectives on public safety, crime, drug use, and homelessness within the Portland community.
Polling conducted by Horvick’s firm revealed that Vasquez held an advantage due to voter sentiments regarding crime and drug use being significant concerns in the Portland area. The race, which emphasized changes addressing racial and ethnic disparities, became contentious and costly, with both candidates raising over one million dollars each.
As the counting of remaining ballots continues, the race for Multnomah County District Attorney unfolds with uncertainty, reflecting the diverse viewpoints and priorities of Portland residents.