Oregon Attorney General

Will Lathrop (Republican)

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Dan Rayfield (Democrat)

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Emphasizes victim rights. "As a prosecutor in Oregon, I regularly represented crime victims from marginalized communities and worked hard to ensure that they had a voice in the criminal justice system. I used my position to advocate for crime victims’ constitutional rights and for appropriate victim compensation. Oregon has strong civil rights laws and as Oregon’s next Attorney General I will work hard to enforce those laws justly and equitably."

Seeks improved law enforcement practices. Welcomes working with the Commission on Statewide Law Enforcement Standards of Conduct and Discipline to ensure fair, informed law enforcement practices throughout the state. Wants to work with law enforcement to give them the tools they need to do their jobs, and with criminal justice reform advocates to make sure our justice system works for all Oregonians.

Uncommitted. Downplayed the likelihood of a national abortion ban. "[Oregon abortion laws] are not likely to change at all for the next attorney general," he said. "This office doesn't do anything to change that. And I'm going to follow the law, but I'm also going to work hard to defend women from violence."

Favors protection. Committed to protecting, strengthening, and expanding safe, equitable access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, regardless of income status. Believes the Dobbs decision is making women and families across the country less safe, and especially harming people of color and low-income individuals, worsening existing inequality. Vows to stand up to Republican attempts to impose any national abortion bans and efforts by some anti-choice states to reach beyond their borders to restrict safe access to abortion. Stated that "potential of a national abortion ban is very real," and would "defend our rights that we have on the books. . . against those national threats."

Will enforce state statutes. The state is in litigation to implement voter-passed Measure 114 that would add regulations for firearms in the state. When asked if he would continue to pursue this litigation and implement the law said, "It is the role of the Attorney General to uphold the law. Ballot Measure 114 was passed into law in 2022 and will remain the law pending the ruling of the higher court. It would be unprofessional for me to comment on the specific ongoing litigation."

Seeks reduction of gun violence. As a state legislator sought passage of common-sense gun laws to protect survivors of domestic violence, increase funding for background checks, and get ghost guns off our streets. Committed to continue that work as Attorney General by building an integrated plan to protect Oregonians from gun violence, especially in Oregon schools.

Favors camping restriction. Said “I am deeply concerned about the effect Oregon's 'Right to Camp' law will have on our state's ability to reduce homelessness and limit camping on public grounds." Believes that because of the 'Right to Camp' law, Oregon will be unable to address the state's homelessness crisis. Suggests that Oregon would become a magnet for houseless people if the law is not changed.

Favors accelerated housing construction. As a state legislator, worked to create housing packages designed to get people off the streets and into stable housing and increase the supply of affordable housing. Frustrated by red tape and time that it takes for these investments and policies to impact Oregon communities. Vows to work with state agencies to streamline these legal processes to get these investments into communities so that services can be delivered quickly.

Opposes deflection programs. Says deflection is flawed and that counties should stick with drug courts, which offer a choice between sobriety and hard time, with court supervision and regular drug testing. If a person succeeds in recovery, possession charges are dropped.

Supports deflection programs.. Served as House speaker and negotiated terms with Republicans and representatives from law enforcement, cities and counties to pass House Bill 4002. This undid much of Measure 110, the 2020 referendum that decriminalized possession of illegal drugs. HB 4002 calls upon counties to offer people arrested for possession the option of seeking treatment before being charged, a process called “deflection.” Participation by counties is optional, and there is state money available for implementation.

No lawsuits at national level. Envisions a system where the Oregon Department of Justice acts as a check against the executive powers of the governor, using its attorneys to rein in state agencies if they try to exceed their authority. Will not use the position to intervene in national legal matters on behalf of consumers as the retiring Attorney General has done in the past.

Will pursue lawsuits at national level. Would expand the Attorney General's role in protecting consumers and seniors. Intends to act as an attorney general who "matches the values of all Oregonians and will defend Oregon's values from national attacks," including abortion rights and environmental laws.

Oregon's Sheriffs, Crime Victims United of Oregon, Oregon Fraternal Order of Police, Taxpayer Association of Oregon and others.

Planned Parenthood, Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety, The Confederated tribes of the Grand Ronde, The Oregonian and others.