Joseph Hagedorn is running for Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge, District 4, Position 14 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Elizabeth Savage is also running in the nonpartisan race.

Asked why he is seeking the bench, Hagedorn said in our candidate questionnaire: "I've been a public servant for my entire career and understand the responsibility that comes with serving the public. As an attorney and judge pro tem, I've remained committed to improving outcomes for children, families, and our community."

Candidate information

Education: Hagedorn said in our questionnaire: "University of Chicago, B.A. (1991-1995) … Mitchell Hamline College of Law, J.D. (1998-2002)."

Family: Hagedorn said in our questionnaire: "My wife and I have been married for 25 years … We've lived in North Portland for nearly 20 years and are engaged in our schools and community. I coached my sons' basketball, soccer, and baseball teams and still coach an 8th-grade boys' basketball team because I enjoy helping young people work hard, build teamwork, and become their best selves."

Asked whether anyone in his family works in politics or government, Hagedorn said: "My wife works for the regional government, Metro."

Previous elected or appointed office: "None," Hagedorn said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Hagedorn described his career in our questionnaire: "In 2002, I began my legal career representing domestic violence survivors who often are in family law court fighting to protect their children and their assets. I spent the next 17 years as a public defender and private practice criminal defense and juvenile attorney. That provided me with broad experience in both criminal and juvenile law, from trying murder cases to working in treatment courts, including mental health court. Since 2020, I've been a Referee and Judge Pro Tem hearing juvenile cases and family law matters —essentially doing the same work of this position I am running for."

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Hagedorn said in our questionnaire: "My extensive experience in drug treatment, mental health, and juvenile courts has given me a deep understanding of the complex needs of people who now appear before me as Judge Pro Tem. In 2010, I helped develop START Court, a treatment court for repeat property offenders. START Court remains successful in reducing prison sentences by providing substance abuse treatment in the community."

He added: "Since 2020, I have served as a Juvenile Court Judge, making decisions affecting children and families. Under Multnomah County's one-judge, one-family policy, I also handle restraining orders, custody, protection orders, guardianships, adoptions, and other family matters, essentially performing the duties of an elected judge."

Differences from other candidates: Hagedorn said in our questionnaire: "I have 25 years of courtroom and trial experience–arguing cases, presenting evidence, and trying lawsuits. For the past +6.5 years, I've presided over juvenile cases as a juvenile judge. I bring a broad range of experience relevant to family law."

He added: "I have the unanimous support of the Multnomah County family law bench … I am also endorsed and supported by additional partners that collaborate in the justice system including by all four Multnomah County Commissioners and AFSCME Local 88."

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.