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Departing Jefferson County DA Steven Leriche explains resignation, thanks community for support

(Update: Adding video, Leriche comments; county clerk on next election)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Longtime Jefferson County District Attorney Steven Leriche is changing career paths. Leriche has submitted his resignation, effective Feb. 2, Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday as she requested applications from those interested in seeking an appointment to the position.

Leriche told KTVZ News Tuesday evening why he was moving on from the DA's office after 26 years.

"I’m leaving to take a position at the Oregon Department of Justice," he said. "I will be working on criminal cases across the State of Oregon and I should be able to spend more time with my father who lives in the Valley.

"I will continue to serve as DA until a replacement is appointed to replace me," Leriche said, adding, "I look forward to helping my successor." 

Leriche, 59, has been with the DA's office for over 26 years. He was working as deputy DA when he ran for and won the district attorney position in 2008, when 14-year DA Peter Deuel decided not to seek re-election. Leriche has since won reelection to the office four times, most recently last May - and always ran unopposed.

He told us in a phone interview Wednesday, "I owe thanks to this community and the school district for giving my family so much, and making it a great place to live."

"Being able to leave this position has also been something that, my children moving forward, and moving away, and going forth and making their lives, has given me the freedom to contemplate this."

Leriche, a Gonzaga University and University of Oregon Law School graduate, also served as an Army JAG officer for 7 1/2 years.

Jefferson County Clerk Kate Zemke told KTVZ News on Wednesday that the DA's position will be on the May 2026 ballot, if at least three people file for the office. If only one or two candidates file, the election will take place in November 2026.

Here's the governor's office news release on the departure and request for applicants:

Governor Kotek Solicits Applications to Fill Jefferson County District Attorney Vacancy

Salem, OR — Governor Kotek today announced she will fill the vacancy for the Jefferson County District Attorney position following notice of Steven Leriche’s resignation, which is effective February 2, 2025. Governor Kotek intends to fill the District Attorney vacancy by appointment, as provided in Article V, Section 16 of the Oregon Constitution and ORS 8.640. 

The Governor’s Office welcomes applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Applicants must submit a District Attorney Interest Form to the Governor’s Office. Please note that the District Attorney Interest Form is not the same form that is used for judicial vacancies. The District Attorney Interest Form is available online at: Interest Form.

Interested applicants should address their completed District Attorney Interest Form to Richard A. Lane, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, and email (no mail or hand delivery) those completed forms to Shevaun Gutridge at shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Oregon law requires that, at the time of appointment, the appointee must be admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Oregon (ORS 8.630 and ORS 8.640).

Questions regarding the appointment process should be directed to Shevaun Gutridge by emailing shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 378-6246.

Article Topic Follows: Jefferson County

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Barney Lerten

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Kelsey McGee

Kelsey McGee is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Kelsey here.

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