SALEM, OR (October 1, 2026) – Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Brendan Murphy as Marion County District Attorney, effective today, following outgoing District Attorney Paige Clarkson’s retirement announcement. Murphy, having run unopposed, already secured the position in the May 2026 election and was slated to assume the role January 1, 2027.
“I have served as a Marion County prosecutor for over 20 years. It is the honor of my career to now assume the role of District Attorney. I strive to serve with integrity, humility and common sense, focused on accountability, safe families and compassionate communities.”
Murphy has served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for 20 years, most recently as Chief Deputy District Attorney. In that role, he supervises the office’s trial divisions, including domestic violence, child and sexual abuse, complex felony, firearm/violent crime, and juvenile divisions. He also oversees the office’s officer-involved use of deadly force protocols, Brady protocols, and public records.
Beyond his prosecutorial work, Murphy co-chaired Marion County’s Child Abuse Response Team from 2011 to recently and co-authored the chapter in the Oregon State Bar’s 2017 Bar Book on best practices for crossover youth, or foster children who are also involved in the juvenile delinquency system. He currently serves on the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Policy Commission. He has served on the Board of Directors for Liberty House, Marion County’s child abuse assessment center, for approximately 14 years.
“One of the best decisions I made in my many years at the Marion County District Attorney’s Office was the hiring of Brendan Murphy as a law clerk”, said Retiring DA Paige Clarkson. “Even back then, Brendan exhibited all the characteristics of a great District Attorney – integrity, intelligence, hard-working and principled. In his years since, he has proven to be a trusted leader, statewide expert in responsible public safety policy, and a skilled advocate for our community. Marion County could not be in better hands.”
Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter said, “DA Elect Brendan Murphy is the natural successor to DA Clarkson. Brendan has built rapport and earned trust within the criminal justice system, with the victims he passionately serves, and the communities he diligently protects. Brendan’s preparation, experience, leadership, and communication are the foundation that inspire assurance in his abilities and set the stage for him as the next Marion County District Attorney. I am confident Brendan will not just meet but exceed expectations with his new and very important role.”
Murphy and his wife of twenty-one years are proud parents of three sons. In his free time, he spends time with his family and likes to fly fish and coach baseball.
