Press Release
Portland Metro DAs Issue Joint Endorsement of Rene Gonzalez for Portland Mayor
July 10, 2024 – In an unprecedented move, the District Attorneys for Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties have come together to unanimously endorse Rene Gonzalez for Portland Mayor.
Nathan Vasquez, Kevin Barton and John Wentworth offered the following statements:
“Portland is on a path to recovery that requires balancing compassion and accountability. Rene has the leadership and vision we need in our next mayor. I look forward to partnering with him to create a safer, more livable Portland.” – Multnomah County District Attorney-Elect Nathan Vasquez
“Public safety is a regional issue because crime doesn’t stop at the county line. As the District Attorney in neighboring Washington County and a longtime Portland metro area resident, I believe Rene is the mayor Portland needs to help it become one of the safest cities in America again.” – Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton
“Rene Gonzalez is the leader Portland needs. He is a voice of reason and actually listens to the people he serves. When it was unpopular to talk about public safety, Rene spoke up on behalf of crime victims and ran for office to return Portland to the city we know it can be. His willingness to fight for Portland despite the personal cost is nothing short of heroic.” – Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth
“Having the support of all three county DAs shows just how important this election and the City of Portland are to the region,” said Gonzalez. “What happens in Portland affects our whole metro area, and I’m committed to strengthening our regional bonds and reestablishing critical partnerships moving forward. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community – and that is true both locally and regionally. We’re in this together.”
The endorsements represent a clear vote of confidence in Gonzalez as someone who can bring regional leaders to the table and reestablish critical partnerships moving forward. It also comes on the heels of endorsements from two leading Portland public safety unions: the Portland Fire Fighters’ Association and the Portland Police Association.