Adrian Brown
Candidate for:
Multnomah County Circuit Court - Position 12
What drives me to seek an elected position
As an incumbent elected judge, I have experienced first hand how unlawful executive overreach and attacks on judges impact our democratic foundation of an independent judiciary. Our courts are the last stop for upholding the rule of law. It is vital to our democratic values to retain independent judges. As the incumbent, I am seeking re-election to re-double the commitments I made when voters across Multnomah County elected me in 2020.
As an elected judge, I believe how we serve the public matters. I believe the courts have a duty to be accessible to the public and to actively seek community feedback about how we can do better at how we serve the public. Some judges believe our role is only in the courtroom during court hours. I believe as elected officials judges must also serve the public off the bench.
When I welcome jurors into my courtroom I take time to remind them why their presence is vital to keeping our democracy strong. Jurors’ presence ensures fairness and that must not be taken for granted. When I discharge and thank them at the conclusion of their service, I make time to listen and respond to their questions and feedback. I show them respect by giving them a chance to be heard too. This is not a standard practice on our bench, but it is for my courtroom.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
A view from the bench over the last five years provides me with unique insight of the intersection between my priorities as an elected judge and Mult. Co’s democratic values.
First, a fair and equitable criminal justice system requires we work to eliminate the public defender crisis. I have seen its toll on defendants, victims, and families. The status quo is unacceptable. Courts also must be independent and free from the chilling effect of unlawful overreach and hold accountable those actors who use trial by press rather than the rule of law for judicial review.
Second, I have seen how discrimination in education and access to healthcare has shaped the lives of those appearing before me. The Judiciary must be more present in the community before we see individuals before us in the justice system.
Third, the toll of limitless campaign financing is clear — running for state office is only available for those who can access big donors, or who can afford to self finance their campaigns. This issue is larger than any personal struggle of mine. If we want to make running for office available to a diverse range of candidates, it is time that all three branches of state government work together to address the aching need for campaign finance reform.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I grew up watching my single, working mother struggle to make ends meet for me and my sister. At that time, child support was not a given, and my dad was only around when it was convenient for him. An elected judge made sure my mom finally received the justice she was due, and me and my sister were the beneficiaries of that court ordered child support. Indeed, I would not be here today serving as an elected judge, without the courage of a judge to do the right thing for the right reasons.
I am now a mom of a young neurodivergent child with learning disabilities, and I myself live with a disability. My son is still in grade school and at his third school because of either inadequate training or resources in our schools for children with learning disabilities. I have witnessed and experienced disability discrimination.
As a judge I have seen our community members personally struggle with these issues in their everyday lives, in shame and silence. I find my calling to the bench stronger than ever—to lead and encourage others to engage in courageous conversations surrounding disability and mental health. My lived experience along with my grit and conviction to move the needle on the stigma surrounding these issues makes me a unique and strong candidate for re-election.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
While elected judicial positions are non-partisan, I have always been a proud registered Democrat. Being a Democrat in Multnomah County means that I have a duty—to show up and be present for democracy, to speak up and out against the attacks on our democratic principles and to work to bring people together collectively for the safety and well being of our diverse communities.
I first moved to Oregon in 1997 to attend Lewis and Clark Law School. I have lived in Multnomah County at my home in NE Portland since 2007. I know that my family and I are the beneficiaries our communities’ broadly shared democratic values. I have also recently seen those democratic values tested—nationally and locally—reminding me that we, as a people, especially in Multnomah County, must never give up on the work to retain our republic.
As an elected judge, I believe that work doesn’t end when the court is closed. For example, I have volunteered weekend time to enhance trust and confidence in the legal system. I have assisted SOAR Immigration Services to provide educational services for immigrants and refugees as they prepare for their citizenship test. I have also trained court volunteers with Dove Lewis on how therapy dogs can play a role in the courtroom when assisting victims of crime.