JAMESTOWN — Jason L. Schmidt has been endorsed by the Chautauqua County Republican Committee and Chautauqua County Conservative Party to seek election as Chautauqua County District Attorney.
Schmidt is a state and federal trial attorney and former Chautauqua County felony prosecutor with an active criminal defense and litigation practice based in Fredonia.
Schmidt received the endorsements as the country began shutting down amid the Coronavirus pandemic, effectively placing his run for District Attorney on hold.
“This has been a difficult time for all of us,” said Schmidt. “With the current situation in our county and across the country, from the pandemic to racial and police tensions, it seemed insensitive and tone-deaf to campaign. But the election is less than six months away and I want voters to know they have a critical choice to make come November.”
Schmidt said his approach to the law enforcement responsibilities entrusted to the District Attorney is very different from that of the current DA, Patrick Swanson.
“I am a working attorney. I have to take on tough cases and have successes in the courtroom or I wouldn’t have clients. I’ve also been the victim of crimes, having been robbed multiple times and our apartment burglarized while growing up. From these personal experiences, I know first hand
what victims go through emotionally, financially and sometimes physically, and I believe strongly in working closely with victims and police, and maintaining a high level of communication with each of them, as their cases make their way through the criminal justice system. I will bring my personal experiences to the District Attorney’s Office, “and I look forward to discussing how my approach differs from the current administration in the coming months.”
County GOP Chairman Allan Hendrickson said the endorsement of Schmidt track record of hard work and winning cases.
“We endorsed Jason because he’s a hard-working guy who rolls up his sleeves and fights in the trenches. He’s experienced and successful – he wins cases,” Hendrickson said. “That’s why we endorsed him four years ago, and after watching the district attorney’s office struggle to prosecute serious crimes, we’re even more committed to putting a winner in the district attorney’s office. Chautauqua County needs that now more than ever.”
Conservative Party Chairwoman Anna Wilcox added, “We need someone who can bring the fight back to the DA’s Office. The Conservative Party endorsed Jason, just as we did four years ago, because he knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and has faced and won many hard cases in his career. Hard work matters, experience matters, and results matter.”
Schmidt said he is available to answer any questions and can be reached by email at jason@jlschmidt-law.com.
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