3 Democratic candidates for Douglas County positions form ‘Justice Ticket’

Three Democratic candidates for Douglas County positions announced on Monday they have formed a coordinated campaign focusing on issues related to criminal justice, housing and climate change.

The “Douglas County Justice Ticket” includes District Attorney candidate Cooper Overstreet, County Commission District 3 candidate Shannon Portillo and County Commission District 2 candidate Shannon Reid, according to a news release from Overstreet’s campaign.

“Now is the time for true change in our community,” Reid said in the news release. “I believe that Douglas County has a unique opportunity to transform our local systems with this coalition of leaders who are committed to actively listening to the voices of the voters who elect us.”

Some of the issues the three candidates are committed to include opposition to the controversial expansion of the Douglas County Jail, funding social services to help end homelessness and reducing the county’s carbon footprint, among other initiatives.

Overstreet said he was excited to join a coalition with Portillo and Reid, noting they are fellow progressive candidates who are “committed to serving those who for too long have been held down by inequity, indifference, and systemic racism.”

Portillo said she too looked forward to working with Overstreet and Reid.

“Douglas County now more than ever needs bold leaders with a firm commitment to justice and fairness for all,” Portillo said in the news release.

All three candidates are running for county positions that require primary elections on Aug. 4.