Recent developments on the West Coast have seen a growing backlash against district attorneys perceived as being 'soft on crime.' Cities like San Francisco, Portland, and Los Angeles have witnessed discontent among voters over what is described as a 'woke agenda' in law enforcement.
One notable instance is the ousting of far-left DA Mike Schmidt in Oregon by one of his own deputies, who pledged a return to what was termed as 'sanity.' In addition, other district attorneys facing pushback include San Francisco DA Kessa Boudin, who was voted out in a 2022 recall, and George Cascone in LA, who has faced two recalls and is up for reelection later this year. Alameda County DA Pamela Price is also facing a recall in the near future.
The discontent seems to be coming from various quarters, including the left itself. The trend indicates a shift in sentiment within the left-leaning voter base, with dissatisfaction over public safety, border security, and economic conditions. The situation is not limited to the West Coast, as similar challenges are being faced by district attorneys in other parts of the country.
Violent crime statistics, such as the 6% increase in LA from 2023 and the nearly 24% rise from 2020, have underscored the perceived failure of current policies. Critics argue that the progressive approach championed by these DAs has led to unsafe conditions in inner cities, prompting even organizations like the NAACP to support recalls against certain officials.
The debate over the motivations behind these changes continues, with some attributing the shifts to potential election losses and a distancing from unpopular policies. Others point to the tangible impact of rising crime rates and deteriorating urban environments as the driving force behind the discontent.
Overall, the situation reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the outcomes of progressive policies in law enforcement. The narrative of failed experiments and disastrous results has gained traction, with calls for a reevaluation of current approaches to public safety and criminal justice.
