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Public defender challenges Marion County District Attorney

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson is being challenged by a public defender for her role as top prosecutor.

Spencer Todd, of Salem, filed for the May 17 primary to unseat Clarkson, also of Salem, who was first elected DA in 2018 while running unopposed.

Because only two candidates filed for the non-partisan office, they will automatically move on to the Nov. 8 general election.

Todd has served as a court-appointed lawyer since graduating from Willamette University College of Law in 2013, first in Polk County and then in Marion County starting in 2015. Beforehand he worked as a clerk with the Marion County Circuit Court and with private defenders.

Clarkson worked as a deputy district attorney for Marion County for 20 years before becoming DA. She has since served on the Public Safety Coordinating Council, Children & Families Commission, SB 111 Steering Committee, and Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

– Stephen Floyd