Travis Marston Secures Bar Membership Ahead of DA Election
Wasco County District Attorney Candidate Travis Marston. Photo: Travis Marston for Wasco County DA
Content Warning: This article involves details about political controversy. Election season is a stressful time of year for everyone. Please take care of yourself.
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., May 7, 2024 — Wasco County District Attorney candidate Travis J. Marston has officially been admitted to the Oregon State Bar just 19 days before the election, according to the Oregon State Bar and court records.
This recent admission ends ongoing voter speculation and confusion about his eligibility for the position due to him previously lacking an active bar license in Oregon.
Until his admission to the BAR, Marston held a temporary practice license, which did not qualify him for the district attorney position according to Oregon law, which requires an active membership with the State Bar on election day.
"Mr. Marston was admitted to the Oregon State Bar on May 2, 2024, by order of the Oregon Supreme Court.,” confirmed Kateri Walsh, Director of Communication at the Oregon State Bar. “His license to practice law in Oregon is active as of that date,"
Despite his recent admission, Marston's campaign and the Wasco County Republican Party have continued to regard Marston’s prior lack of bar license as ”rumors” and “falsehoods.”
“Since the very beginning of my bid to become your next Wasco County District Attorney, there have been some very misleading statements and rumors about my license to practice law in the state of Oregon,” Marston said. “I am happy to announce that on May 3rd I received an Order from the Oregon Supreme Court putting those rumors to rest.”
“I believe it is imperative that voters remain vigilant against misinformation and baseless attacks during this critical election season. The integrity of our justice system depends on electing candidates who prioritize truth and transparency over political gamesmanship,” he added.
A press release from John Grant, head of the Republican party sent to CCCNews on March 3, 2024 at 7:39 p.m.
Editor’s Note: In addition to this email, CCCNews journalist Cole Goodwin originally tried to contact Marston for comment and to ask for proof of admission to the bar over the phone on May 3rd, but Mr. Marston promptly hung up on the journalist upon hearing their name. The journalist then attempted to reach Marston by text and email, then waited four days for a response in order to ensure Marston’s comments would be included in this article. In contrast, the Oregon State Bar, responded to CCCNews inquiry within 24 hours.
Marston’s candidacy continues to face scrutiny, with critics and competitors questioning the timing of his licensing relative to the election. Bar representatives confirmed that Marston’s license was not “fast tracked” due to his candidacy but was treated as any other application for admission to the bar.
However, Marston's campaign is now working to shift focus away from the licensing controversy and towards collaboration.
"Now is time for us all to come together and get to work," said Marston, emphasizing his readiness to "restore justice to Wasco County."
Opposing voices, however, remain critical. Wasco County’s current political atmosphere is charged with debates over the transparency and timing of Marston's qualification.
Kara Davis, Marston's opponent in the DA race and current Gilliam County District Attorney, expressed concern over the confusion Marston's previous licensing status caused among voters.
"The district attorney must explain the law clearly and concisely to the public every day - juries, police officers, victims, even judges. The ability to know and explain the law is a prerequisite for the job. It is very clear that many voters in Wasco County are confused by Mr. Marston's license status. It is unfortunate that he declined to explain his situation to the voters,” Davis said in response to a request for comment from CCCNews back in April.
This electoral saga has highlighted the essential legal qualifications required for candidates seeking judicial office and potentially sparked a broader discussion (at least within the CCCNews offices) on the transparency needed in electoral processes.
While Marston's last-minute admission to the bar does ensure his eligibility by the letter of the law, it remains to be seen whether his admission will satisfy the electorate's expectations of a DA candidate.
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