Endorsements
John is Day One Ready
He started his career in civil practice and has managed high-stakes criminal dockets and served Oregon for nearly 29 years. He can step into systems and enhance public trust on his first day. He is honored to have earned the support of trusted judges, attorneys and community members who know he can serve Multnomah County well.
Senior Multnomah County Judge Eric Bergstrom
"For years I've watched John in the courtroom. He's sharp, skilled, always prepared and showcases even temperament and good judgment. Multnomah County needs him on the bench."
— March 3, 2026
Dr. Tamara Grigsby MD
Professor of Pediatrics OHSU
“My interactions with John were not with Casalino, the prosecutor, but Casalino, the dyed in the wool advocate for children who are no longer able to advocate for themselves. That is to say, I got to know John in his role as the chair of the Multnomah County Child Fatality Review Team, and outspoken member of the State Child Fatality Review Team.
John understood that every death of a child or youth had meaning, and was an indicator of the health and safety of the community. John didn’t get caught up in the tragedy of it all but rather, sought to understand the entire spectrum of factors leading to a child's death. And he looked to the subject matter experts on the CFRT to apply the same energy. John inspired, questioned, motivated and challenged each member of the team to dig into details relevant to their discipline and think broadly in order to contribute to a comprehensive discussion. John was generous with his praise of team members and community partners, and skilled at "we can all do better" approach to addressing preventative action items.
And goodness knows, his humor and straight talk are something I will always remember. He had the courage to speak out and speak up for kids.”
Metro-Area District Attorneys
—Nathan Vasquez (Multnomah County DA); Kevin Barton (Washington County DA); John Wentworth (Clackamas County DA); Paige Clarkson (Marion County DA), March 9, 2026
“We all agree; John has the experience, temperament, intelligence and compassion to be a great judge.”
Rich Cohen
Rich Cohen, Criminal Defense Attorney
“I care deeply about our community, our children, and our families. Of the hundreds of prosecutors that I’ve dealt with over the decades you are top 1% in skill, character, intelligence, graciousness and ability. I look up to you for your stability, achievements, and dedication to the welfare of children and families in our community…. You are incredibly qualified and it is an honor to endorse you.”
—February 25, 2026
Jonathan Sarre
Jonathan Sarre, Criminal Defense Attorney, Administrator for Portland Defense Consortium
“I’ve known John for almost 20 years as an advocate on the other side of the counsel table. He has always been diligent, dedicated and professional in all his duties. He will bring those qualities to the Multnomah County Court and for that reason I am proud to endorse John for Multnomah County Judge.”
—March 11, 2026
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Judge Scott Shorr
Oregon Court of Appeals
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Judge Cheryl Albrecht
Multnomah County
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Senior Judge Eric Bergstrom
Multnomah County
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Judge Patrick Henry
Multnomah County
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Judge Amy Holmes Hehn
Multnomah County
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Judge Andrew Lavin
Multnomah County
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Judge Morgan Long
Multnomah County
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Judge Heidi Moawad
Multnomah County
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Judge Melvin Oden-Orr
Multnomah County
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Judge Jenna Plank
Multnomah County
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Judge Chris Ramras
Multnomah County
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Judge Ben Souede
Multnomah County
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Judge Jamie Troy
Multnomah County
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Judge Nan Waller
Multnomah County
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Senior Judge Julie Frantz (Retired)
Multnomah County
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Senior Judge Angel Lopez (Retired)
Multnomah County
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Senior Judge Jean Maurer (Retired)
Multnomah County
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Senior Judge Ken Walker (Retired)
Multnomah County
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Russell Barnett
Criminal Defense Attorney
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Rich Cohen
Criminal Defense Attorney
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District Attorney Kevin Barton
Washington County
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District Attorney Paige Clarkson
Marion County
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District Attorney Nathan Vasquez
Multnomah County
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District Attorney John Wentworth
Clackamas County
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Kate Lieber
Oregon State Senator, District 14
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Molly Becker
Shareholder Buckley Law
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Kevin Dowling
Former Executive Director of CARES, NW
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Judge Mike Riedel
Multnomah County
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Joe Calhoun
Criminal Defense Attorney
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Alicia Hercher
Criminal Defense Attorney
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Christine Mascal
Mascal Law Office
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Amber Kinney
Kinney Law
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Amity Girt
The Law Office of Josh Lamborn
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Dr. Tamara Grigsby MD
Professor of Pediatrics OHSU
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Michael Cohen
Shareholder, Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt
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Judge Maurisa Gates
Multnomah County
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Jonathan Sarre
Criminal Defense Attorney
Administrator for Portland Defense Consortium -

Judge Kelly Kritzer
Klamath County
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Judge Marci Adkisson
Klamath County
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Rod Underhill
Former Multnomah County District Attorney
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Michael Colbach
Trial Attorney
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Erin Olson
Attorney for Crime Victims
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Judge Michael Greenlick
Multnomah County, Chief Criminal Judge
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Gresham Police Officers Association
Gresham, Oregon
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Rosemary Brewer
Former Executive Director, Oregon Crime Victims Law Center
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Judge Xiomara Torres H.
Multnomah County
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Molly Becker, Shareholder Buckley Law
"John Casalino is one of the reasons I went to law school--his dedication, wisdom, integrity, and kindness have always been an inspiration. I know many caseworkers at DHS, myself included, that always looked forward to working with John, especially because of his insightful contributions at MDT meetings and his resolute, stalwart involvement in complex cases. I remember a particular Grand Jury when children on one of my cases struggled to testify to the abuse they suffered at the hands of a parent. John was exceedingly gentle and supportive with them, making their experience in court less traumatic."
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Child Sexual Abuse Survivor
"There are no words to describe the level of safety and comfort you bring. When you think of a superhero you don't often think of an Attorney. We do. When we were going through a vulnerable time in our lives you provided guidance and transparency. There is a level of softness and safety you bring to make sure those who have experienced trauma, do not continue to feel that terror throughout the judicial process.”
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Parents of Child Sexual Assault Survivors
“We met you under the worst circumstances, yet you were the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Your confidence gave us reassurance, and you did what you said you would do. The healing could begin and the girls felt safe.”