Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
(Last updated on May 10, 2024)
67 council candidates. Six mayoral candidates. One candidate for auditor.
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The latest.
Keith Wilson slams Mayor’s proposed budget for Small Donor Elections.
Keith Wilson, a candidate for Portland mayor, sharply criticized Mayor Wheeler’s proposed budget for Small Donor Elections, Portland’s public campaign financing program, at a city budget hearing on May 9.
Established in 2016 to curb the influence of large financial contributions in politics, the Small Donor Elections program still operates at the funding level set when Portland elected three seats per election cycle. With fourteen seats up for election in 2024 and no additional funds allocated in Mayor Wheeler’s proposed budget, the public match for council candidates has dropped by 60% to $120,000. For mayoral candidates, the match cap has been slashed from $750,000 to $100,000—a dramatic 90% reduction.
“My decision to enter the race was heavily influenced by the small donor election program, which is designed to eliminate barriers and increase public participation,” Wilson said in his testimony.
Wilson particularly lamented the match cap for the mayoral race, stating it was unreasonable given the need to reach every neighborhood and connect with four times the number of voters as council candidates.
“As it stands, the program promotes a 'winner-take-all' fundraising dash that benefits incumbent politicians with strong name recognition long before the election results are in,” he added, arguing that political outsiders are now effectively excluded from the race.
In response to Wilson’s comments, Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, who is also running for mayor, agreed that the underfunding of Small Donor Elections threatens to undercut the intent of the program, which is to take big money out of politics.
“The program is massively underfunded and is going to make a bit of a joke of this election. It's completely failing to take big dollars out of the election because independent expenditures are only going to become more powerful,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez noted that the match caps were set by the Elections Commission, an indepedent government body. However, the city council determines the funding for the program. Commissioners did not indicate whether they plan to increase funding for the program in the 2024/2025 budget.
Candidates join Portland Street Resonse rally.
Several candidates participated in a rally organized by the grassroots coalition Friends of Portland Street Response at City Hall on May 9. The event advocated for increased funding for Portland Street Response, the city's unarmed team that addresses mental health crises.
Last year, Portland Street Response operated with a budget of approximately $10 million, half of which came from one-time funding sources outside the city. Despite facing a potential $3 million reduction this year, Mayor Wheeler's proposed budget taps into interest from the Portland Clean Energy Fund—a business tax that exceeded revenue expectations—to bridge the shortfall. This adjustment sets the program's budget at $7.4 million, enough to maintain current staffing levels.
Friends of Portland Street Response is campaigning for the program's budget to be restored to $10 million, matching last year's funding.
Candidates who attended the rally included Steph Routh from District 1; Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, and Chris Olson from District 2; and Angelita Morillo from District 3. Debbie Kitchin and Steph Routh also testified at a City Council budget hearing, advocating for a $10 million budget for Portland Street Response.
City Candidates Support Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
Eighteen candidates for Portland city offices have signed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution is scheduled to be presented to the Portland City Council on May 22.
Signatories include mayoral candidates Durrell Kinsey Bey and Liv Osthus, alongside council candidates Timur Ender, David Linn, Thomas Shervey, and Cayle Tern from District 1; John Middleton, Chris Olson, and Jennifer Park from District 2; Chris Flanary, Kelly Janes, Angelita Morillo, Robin Ye, Theo Hathaway Saner, and Tiffany Koyama Lane from District 3; and Jeremy Beausoleil Smith, Mitch Green, and Andra Vltavín from District 4.
Council Candidates collaborate on PSU Library repair effort.
District 4 candidates Eli Arnold, Bob Weinstein, Mike DiNapoli, and State House candidate Pete Grabiel have initiated a fundraising drive to repair the Portland State University Library, which was damaged during recent campus protests.
“Eli, Bob, and I may be competitors in this election, but we are united in helping to restore the library,” DiNapoli said in a statement.
Arnold, a police officer, noted that the library restoration would require extensive cleaning, repairs, and replacement of materials.
“As leaders in our community, we cannot stand by while this important institution suffers,” he said.
Weinstein added, "While we respect everyone's right to free speech and peaceful protest, the actions that led to this damage cross a line. The PSU Library belongs to all of us in Portland."
City Council has 16% approval rating.
A recent poll commissioned by The Oregonian reveals a bleak perspective on local government among Portland area voters. Only 16% of respondents approve of the Portland City Council, while 70% disapprove. Additionally, Mayor Wheeler faces low approval, with only 24% of voters in favor and 70% expressing disapproval. The survey was conducted by DHM Research.
City unveils new bureaucratic structure.
The City of Portland announced its new organizational structure, aimed at transitioning City Hall into a new form of government that incorporates professional bureau administration. Effective July 1, the current Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Jordan, will be promoted to City Administrator. He will oversee a team of six deputy administrators responsible for the following service areas: Budget & Finance, City Operations, Community & Economic Development, Public Safety, Vibrant Communities, and Public Works. Additionally, an Assistant City Administrator will work alongside Jordan to manage the city's workforce of over 7,000 employees.
Koller and Sherman exit District 2 race.
Marc Koller and Brooklyn Sherman have withdrawn from the crowded District 2 race.
"I do not have the resources to run an effective campaign against an ever-widening field of committed candidates,” Koller stated on his campaign website.
Sherman attributed his decision to leave the race to other commitments, such as board and volunteer service. In his farewell message, he urged District 2 voters to support James Armstrong, a small business owner and neighborhood advocate.
"As a lifelong Portlander, I believe that James, who has been a Portlander for two decades and is an active member of the North & Northeast Portland community, will be attentive to the needs of this district," Sherman said.
Another District 2 candidate, Joseph Emerson, withdrew from the race in January after learning his family was expecting twins. The candidate count in the district is now twenty-one, although at least one candidate – Alan Blake – does not appear to be actively seeking a seat.
James Armstrong helps uncover potential fraud.
District 2 candidate James Armstrong appears to have played a crucial role in uncovering an embezzlement case at Alberta Main Street, a nonprofit seeking to support the neighborhood’s business district.
Armstrong, who is a forensic accountant and a board member of the nonprofit, helped reconcile the organization's bank accounts and identify the methods by which over $100,000 were allegedly stolen by past president Devon T. Horace.
Three mayoral candidates lay out visions for inclusive economic growth.
On April 27, City Commissioners Mingus Mapps and Carmen Rubio, along with transportation executive Keith Wilson, participated in a mayoral debate hosted by the Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon.
The candidates discussed their approaches to key issues including economic development, workplace safety, racial equity, and the city's impending governmental restructuring.
Carmen Rubio, who heads the Housing Bureau, proposed the creation of an Office of Small Business to support small businesses, particularly those owned by people of color. The office would centralize assistance and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for local entrepreneurs, she stated.
Commissioner Mapps, responsible for the Transportation Bureau, highlighted his involvement in a new water filtration plant project. He said the project will ensure 20% minority participation and provide a significant economic boost for minority-owned businesses in Portland, serving as a model for future projects.
Keith Wilson, President of Titan Freight Solutions, focused primarily on public safety and homelessness. He promised to end unsheltered homelessness within his first year in office by establishing a network of overnight shelters. Wilson also cited his company’s low workforce injury rate as a model for city contracting.
All three candidates emphasized the critical role of the mayor in guiding Portland through its transition to a new government system.
"This mayor matters in a different way than any other following mayor will because you're setting up the system for the next generation," Carmen Rubio said.
The most boring candidate in Portland.
Jon Walker, a new candidate for District 3, has adopted a unique approach to his campaign by branding himself as "the most boring nerd in Portland."
"I am as remarkably unremarkable as you get," he states on his website.
"I'm exactly average height at 5'9", almost exactly average age at 40, and I sport the most average-sized family, with two adults and two adorable kids," he writes, noting that he also has "the most boring haircut: a short crop with a receding hairline."
Walker, a writer and policy analyst for the Oregon Health Authority, believes his nerdiness is what qualifies him for the job as a Portland legislator. He mentions that his bedtime reading often includes topics like "the impact of street design on traffic fatalities,” and vows to give every aspect of city government a thorough performance audit.
Alliances emerge among city council candidates
As the race for Portland City Council heats up, candidates are forging strategic alliances across districts. Last month, District 1's Steph Routh and District 4's Chad Lykins endorsed each other on Instagram. The trend continued with Lykins later exchanging endorsements with District 2's Elana Pirtle-Guiney.
City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who’s seeking a seat in District 2, has endorsed Stan Penkin and Eric Zimmerman, both running in District 4.
In District 1, business owners Terrence Hayes and Noah Ernst recently cross-promoted each other on social media. Hayes shared his endorsement for Ernst, stating, "[Ernst] will bring a no-nonsense approach to City Council. I look forward to working with him to restore Portland to a clean and safe city." In return, Ernst encouraged his followers to support Hayes, adding, "Donate to his campaign, and rank us 1 and 2 in November for pragmatic, focused leadership for Portland." These emerging alliances could significantly impact the dynamics of the upcoming elections.
Correction: A previous version of this story listed Hayes and Ernst as officially endorsing each other. That was incorrect.
Candidates support participatory budgeting, but not everyone is on board.
A growing number of candidates are supporting an initiative petition that would give Portlanders a direct say over a slice of the city budget. The proposed measure mandates that the city allocate 2% of its discretionary general fund to projects developed and chosen by Portlanders - a process known as “participatory budgeting.”
Jim Labbe, co-chief petitioner and the director of Participatory Budgeting Oregon says Portland is the last major West Coast City without participatory budgeting.
“Portlanders are eager and ready for the chance to finally bring this new way of governing—demonstrated in dozens of other U.S. cities and around the globe—to our city,” said Labbe, who is currently gathering signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.
The measure would create a process allowing residents to submit funding proposals directly to the city. These would then be voted on by the public and, if approved, implemented by city staff. If approved, the city must fund this program starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and launch it by July 2027.
“Participatory budgeting offers a collaborative, inclusive, and deliberative complement to the city’s budgeting process that is too often dominated by wealthy insiders,” co-petitioner Isabela Villareal told Rose City Reform.
Several council candidates have endorsed the initiative, including Reuben Berlin, Daniel Demelo, Jessie Cornett, Timur Ender, Chris Flanary, Marnie Glickman, Mitch Green, Debbie Kitchin, Tiffany Koyama Lane, John Middleton, Angelita Morillo, Christopher Olson, Steph Routh, Deian Salazar, Jeremy Smith, Laura Streib, Andra Vltavín, and Robin Ye.
Not all candidates are in favor, however.
“I oppose enshrining mandatory budget set-asides in the city charter,” said Bob Weinstein, a candidate in District 4.
“What’s next? If this succeeds, other advocacy groups will want mandatory budget set-asides in the Charter that will further limit the city’s ability to address priorities and problems that arise,” he cautioned.
According to the ballot title, approximately $15.6 million would be allocated to the participatory budgeting program in its first year, increasing to nearly $16 million the following year. While Labbe says these figures are based on the City Budget Office's projections, the city did not respond to Rose City Reform’s requests for confirmation.
Portland Street Response becomes top campaign issue.
Portland Street Response (PSR) has become a focal point of the 2024 campaign season. Following intense debate among city commissioners, the program appears poised to receive full funding in the upcoming budget cycle. However, questions loom about its sustainability in the years ahead.
The advocacy group Friends of PSR is currently circulating a pledge among city candidates aimed at expanding funding for PSR to enable its operation citywide and on a 24/7 basis. By endorsing this pledge, candidates commit to consistently voting in favor of full funding for Portland Street Response in every budget cycle, and to “prevent encroachment of its funding from other needs within its department.”Furthermore, the pledge seeks to elevate PSR to an equal branch of the city's first responder network.
Signatories include Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, David Linn, Sonja Mackenzie, Steph Routh, and Thomas Shervey in District 1; Debbie Kitchin, Christopher Olson, Jennifer Park, Laura Streib, and Nat West in District 2; Daniel DeMelo, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Theo Hathaway Saner, and Robin Ye in District 3; and Mitch Green, Chad Lykins, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, Jeremy Smith, Michael Trimble, and Andra Vltavín in District 4.
Gonzalez: “Proposal to make PSR independent is police abolitionist play.”
During a recent listening session on the upcoming budget, council members faced tough criticism from the community. Critiques ranged from suggested cuts to Portland Street Response (the city’s non-police crisis response team) to staffing levels for the new city council, which some community members described as inadequate. While commissioners largely seemed to agree with the concerns raised, Commissioner Rene Gonzalez stood out by opposing testifiers’ proposal to make Portland Street Response an independent branch of the city’s first responder network. Currently, it operates under the Fire Bureau, which Gonzalez oversees. He called the proposal, which has been endorsed by multiple council candidates, a "police abolitionist play."
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The money.
Steph Routh approaches $100K in funding.
As of May 9, District 1 candidate Steph Routh is nearing the $100,000 fundraising milestone. A transportation and bike safety advocate, Routh has amassed $92,700 in contributions, which includes a $40,000 match from Portland’s public campaign financing program.
This positions Routh as a frontrunner across all council districts and as the second highest fundraiser in all citywide races. Mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez currently holds the top spot with over $130,000 raised.
Marnie Glickman first D2 candidate to qualify for public match.
Marnie Glickman recently became the first District 2 candidate to qualify for public campaign financing. After collecting 250 small donations, Glickman will now receive $40,000 from the city’s Small Donor Elections program.
Like many candidates in this crowded election cycle, Glickman has employed creative tactics to attract donors. In April, she offered a bowl of homemade matzoh ball soup to her 250th donor, who helped her unlock the public match. A political organizer and consultant, Glickman will also appear at a joint fundraiser with mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio this month.
To date, eleven other council candidates have qualified for public campaign funds: Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh in District 1; Jesse Cornett, Angelita Morillo, Steve Novick, and Robin Ye in District 3; and Olivia Clark, Chad Lykins, Mitch Green, and Stan Penkin in District 4.
Some candidates take fundraising pledges.
Multiple council candidates have signed the No Police Money Pledge, rejecting financial support and endorsements from police unions or associations. Candidates who are passing up contributions from police-backed organizations include Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, and Timur Ender in District 1, Chris Olson in District 2, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, and Robin Ye in District 3, and Chad Lykins, Jeremy Smith, and Andra Vltavín in District D4. Portland Auditor Simone Rede, who’s running for re-election, signed the pledge in 2022.
Some candidates have committed to the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, vowing not to accept contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industries. The list includes Candace Avalos and Timur Ender in District 1; Chris Olson in District 2; Angelita Morillo, and Robin Ye in District 3, and Mitch Green, and Andra Vltavín in District 4. City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who’s running for mayor, signed the pledge during her 2020 campaign.
The support.
East County Rising unveils District 1 slate.
The community organizing group East County Rising (ECR) has unveiled its slate of candidates for District 1, encompassing areas of Portland east of 82nd Avenue. The candidates are Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, Terrence Hayes, Sonja McKenzie, Cayle Tern, and Steph Routh.
ECR Operations Manager Theresa Mai said the organization chose to promote six candidates because voters will be able to rank six candidates on the ballot.
"The endorsement committee found that many candidates were values-aligned and worthy of receiving ECR endorsement recognition,” Mai told Rose City Reform.
“In that spirit, and according to best practices in jurisdictions across the world where proportional representation elections occur, our candidate slate offers six encouraging candidates that East Portland voters can feel confident voting for and spending their time learning more about.”
Proportional representation is an electoral system that allocates seats to multiple candidates based on voter support. In November, Portland voters will choose three representatives for each council district using ranked choice voting, making the Rose City the first major city to adopt proportional representation since the 1940s.
East County Rising does not plan to endorse candidates in other districts but is considering a mayoral endorsement, Mai said.
Early start for union endorsements.
Unions are taking an early lead in endorsing candidates for this election cycle, and they’re largely backing the same candidates. Jonathan Tasini (D2) and Tony Morse (D4) enjoy the strongest union support, with a few additional endorsements not listed here.
Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council: Jamie Dunphy and Steph Routh in District 1, Jonathan Tasini in District 2, Steve Novick in District 3, and Olivia Clark and Tony Morse in District 4.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48: Jamie Dunphy, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh in District 1; Mariah Hudson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, and Jonathan Tasini in District 2; Steve Novick in District 3; and Olivia Clark, Tony Morse; Eric Zimmerman in District 4.
Ironworkers Local 29: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, and Steph Routh in District 1; Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Jonathan Tasini in District 2; Chris Flanary, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Steve Novick, and Robin Ye in District 3; and Olivia Clark, Tony Morse, Eric Zimmerman in District 4.
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 737: Candace Avalos and Jamie Dunphy in District 1, Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Jonathan Tasini in District 2; Chris Flanary and Steve Novick in District 3; Olivia Clark, Tony Morse and Eric Zimmerman in District 4; Simone Rede for Portland City Auditor.
Laborers Local 483: Chris Flanary and Tiffany Koyama Lane in District 3; Tony Morse in District 4.
NW Oregon Labor Council: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, and Steph Routh in District 1; Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Dan Ryan, and Jonathan Tasini in District 2.
Oregon Machinist Council: Elana-Pirtle Guiney in District 2, Jesse Cornett in District 3, and Tony Morse in District 4.
United Association Local 290: Jamie Dunphy in District 1, Olivia Clark, Mitch Green, and Tony Morse in District 4.
City commissioners pick favorites.
Portland’s sitting city commissioners are slowly beginning to endorse candidates for city council. Commissioner Mingus Mapps has endorsed Mariah Hudson, a candidate in District 2. Notably, Mapps has not endorsed his colleague, Commissioner Dan Ryan, who is also running in the second district. On his end, Commissioner Ryan has endorsed two candidates in District 4: Stan Penkin and Eric Zimmerman. He has not endorsed Commissioner Mapps, who’s running for mayor.
Progressive endorsements underway.
A coalition of progressive interest groups, spearheaded by Oregon Futures Lab—an organization dedicated to supporting candidates of color—has initiated a collective vetting process for endorsements.
Participants in this effort include the APANO Action Fund, Building Power for Communities of Color, East County Rising, and NAYA Action Fund. Candidates can complete a single application to potentially gain support from all these organizations, a move likely to be met with relief by their campaigns. However, endorsements from these organizations may differ, reflecting their individual priorities.
Read the Willamette Week’s story about the effort here.
The media.
Keith Wilson on the NW Fresh podcast.
Mayoral candidate Keith Wilson appeared on the NW Fresh podcast to discuss his candidacy and his campaign promise to end unsheltered homelessness within his first year as mayor.
Liv Osthus discusses mayoral bid.
Liv Osthus, the most recent candidate for mayor, appeared on KATU’s Your Voice Your Vote last month to discuss her platform, which is largely centered around arts and creativity. Osthus says City Hall needs to focus on housing affordability to combat homelessness and retain artists and entertainers downtown.
“I’m an artist and all my friends are artists,” Osthus said, “and it’s very challenging to live here at this time. I want the city to remember how much energy the arts have brought to the Pacific Northwest and that money tends to follow that energy.”
Osthus, whose stage name is Viva Las Vegas, is a writer, performer, and dancer at Portland’s iconic strip club Mary’s.
Media appearances by district.
This section lists candidates’ media appearances in April and May. For a more exhaustive and chronological list, visit our media links below.
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
The social.
Candidates support “Uncommited” campaign.
District 3 candidate Robin Ye posted his support for the ‘Uncommitted Oregon’ campaign. Ye encouraged voters to write in "Uncommitted" on their Democratic Presidential primary ballots as a protest vote to pressure President Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Join me and the more than 700,000 voters across the country who are casting a ballot for peace in protest of Biden's ongoing complicity in genocide,” Ye wrote on Instagram.
Angelita Morillo (D3) and Jeremy Smith (D4), also posted their support for the ‘Uncommitted Oregon’ campaign on social media.
Big life news for Jesse Cornett.
Jesse Cornett shared on Instagram that his significant other has accepted his marriage proposal. Congrats to the happy couple!
Candidates stand with auto workers.
Multiple candidates showed up to picket with Daimler workers belonging to the United Auto Workers union. D3 candidate Jesse Cornett posted pictures of the event, like this selfie with Tony Morse (D4), Jonathan Tasini (D2), and Deian Salazar (D3). Though not pictured, Jeremy Smith (D4) also joined the crew.
Morillo on elected officials “selling out”.
District 3 candidate and social media influencer Angelita Morillo recently shared a video on TikTok, commenting on U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's transition from a political disruptor to a more conventional Democrat. Frequently compared to AOC, Morillo expressed concerns over political pressures to compromise should she be elected. She recounted guidance from a mentor, emphasizing that an elected seat is "not a throne."
"If your time gets cut short because you did the right thing, then so be it," Morillo stated.
Morillo boasts more than 32,000 TikTok followers.
The rumors.
Rumors are circulating that Portland business interests, led by the Portland Metro Chamber, are preparing to allocate $10 million towards local races in the upcoming 2024 election. Two candidates, Jonathan Tasini (D1) and Angelita Morillo (D3), have echoed these rumors on social media. When Rose City Reform reached out, the Metro Chamber dismissed the rumors as unfounded.
Similarly, unconfirmed speculation surrounds City Commissioner Mingus Mapps' standing in the mayoral race. An Oregonian article says Mapps’ campaign is struggling to raise cash and is several thousand dollars in debt. While it’s not uncommon for candidates to incur debt early in the election cycle, Mapps' sluggish fundraising has prompted some commentators to suggest that a run for council might be in the cards. Mapps recently sent a newsletter to supporters asserting that his mayoral campaign will forge ahead despite the rumors.
Former County Commissioner and Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon’s Black Caucus, Loretta Smith, is rumored to be eyeing a seat in District 1.
Rachel Clark, a pub owner and the daughter of former Portland mayor Bud Clark, is said to be mulling a run in District 3. John Toran, a cannabis entrepreneur and Democratic party organizer and strategist, is said to be considering a run in District 4. Toran unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Oregon Legislature in 2001.
The Events.
May 10: Candidate Coffee with Chad Lykins (D4)
When: 10:00-11:00AM
Where: Portland Ca Phe, 2815 Southeast Holgate Boulevard
May 11: Candidate Coffee with Jesse Cornett (D3)
When: 12:30-2:00PM
Where: Harder Day Coffee, 4229 SE Woodstock
Monday, May 13: Housing Oregon Education Forums on the Affordable Housing Continuum (for candidates and the public)
When: 5:00PM-6:30PM
Where: Zoom presentation, register for link
May 15: Housing Oregon Education Forums on the Affordable Housing Continuum (for candidates and the public)
When: 12:00-1:30PM
Where: Zoom presentation, register for link
June 5: Portland City Council Candidate Forum at Garnish Apparel (District 4)
When: 5:30-7:30PM
Where: Garnish Apparel, 404 Northwest 12th Avenue
June 9: Candace Avalos Campaign Kickoff
When: 2:00-4:00PM
Where: East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Avenue
June 15: Robin Ye Campaign Kickoff
When: 3:00-5:00PM
Where: APANO Orchards of 82nd, 8188 SE Division St
SAVE THE DATE: The Mental Health Alliance’s Candidate Forum on Mental Illness and Addiction (feat. all candidates)
When: August 31, Time: TBD
Where: The Old Church, 1422 SW. 11th Avenue
If you’re a candidate or organization whose event isn’t listed, don’t get mad! Just notify us at info@rosecityreform.org. We list events where voters can learn about candidates’ platforms, such as campaign kickoffs, candidate forums, candidate meet-and-greets, political debates, and town halls. We don’t list house parties or events where contributions are required for entry. Keep the events coming!
Top fundraisers according to the City of Portland:
Mayor’s race:
Rene Gonzalez $130,400
Carmen Rubio: $64,500
Mingus Mapps: $63,400
Council races:
Steph Routh (D1): $92,700*
Olivia Clark (D4): $88,000*
Angelita Morillo (D3): $79,300*
*Includes a $40,000 public campaign financing match
Source: Oregon Secretary of State, last updated 4/29/24
Candidates for Portland Mayor:
Declared (most recent on top)
Liv Osthus, a.k.a. Viva Las Vegas (Stripper, Artist & Writer)
Keith Wilson (President of TITAN Freight System & founder of Shelter Portland)
Carmen Rubio (Policy Advisor & Nonprofit Executive, Current City Commissioner)
Rene Gonzalez (Attorney, Current City Commissioner)
Durrell Kinsey Bey (Youth Essentials Coordinator, Reap, Inc.)
Mingus Mapps (Political Scientist, Current City Commissioner)
Incumbent:
Ted Wheeler (not seeking reelection)
Candidates for Portland City Council:
Each district elects three representatives.
DISTRICT 1 (D1) - EAST PORTLAND
Declared (most recent on top)
Sonja McKenzie (Community Engagement Coordinator, Oregon Community Foundation)
Noah Ernst (Superintendent, Radio Cab Company)
Joe Furi (Supervisor, Thrive Communities)
Cayle Tern (Community Advocate and Organizer, Apano)
Terrence Hayes (President, Restore Nuisance Abatement)
Thomas Shervey (Office Assistant, Multnomah County)
Candace Avalos (Executive Director, environmental organization Verde)
Deian Salazar (Autism Rights Advocate, Community Leader)
Jamie Dunphy (Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network)
David Linn (Executive Assistant, Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology)
Timur Ender (Project Manager, engineering firm WSP)
Steph Routh (Organizational Development Consultant, Steph Routh & Team, LLC)
Potential
Former County Commissioner Loretta Smith (rumored)
DISTRICT 2 (D2) - NORTH/NORTHEAST
Declared (most recent on top)
Michelle DePass (Chair, Portland Board of Education)
Sam Sachs (Founder, The No Hate Zone)
Nabil Zaghloul (Program Manager, Multnomah County)
Mike Marshall (Co-Founder and Director of Oregon Recovers)
William Mespelt (Property Manager)
Nat West (Founder, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, Bus Driver)
Marnie Glickman (Political Organizer & Strategist)
Elana Pirtle-Guiney (Principal, Confluence Solutions)
Jennifer Park (Programs Director, The Shadow Project)
Dan Ryan (Portland City Commissioner, Incumbent)
Tiffani Penson (People & Culture Manager, City of Portland))
Alan Blake (information pending)
Reuben Berlin (Banker, U.S. Bank)
Laura Streib (Executive Director, Vibe of Portland)
Jonathan Tasini (Organizational and Communications Strategist)
James Armstrong (President, Alberta Eye Care)
Mariah Hudson (Senior Communications Specialist, OHSU)
John Middleton (Entrepreneur)
Christopher Olson (Communication Specialist, Neighborhood Health Center)
David Burnell (Substance Abuse Counselor, Fora Health)
Debbie Kitchin (Owner, Commercial Contracting Firm InterWorks LLC)
Potential
Erin Crum (candidate committee)
District 3 (D3) - Central/Southeast
Declared (most recent on top)
Kelly Janes (Founder, OwlX Collective)
Luke Zak (Sales Manager, Travel Salem)
Jonathan Walker (Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority)
Theo Hathaway Saner (Property Manager)
Philippe Knab (Attorney)
Daniel Gilk (Programmer, Full-Time Dad)
Steve Novick (Attorney, Former City Commissioner)
Rex Burkholder (Strategy and Story guy, The Oxalis Group)
Tiffany Koyama Lane (Teacher, Portland Public Schools)
Matthew Anderson (Air Force Veteran)
Daniel DeMelo (Software Engineer, Appfigures)
Robin Ye (Political Director, East County Rising)
Angelita Morillo (Policy Advocate, Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon)
Jesse Cornett (Policy and Advocacy Director, Oregon Recovers)
Sandeep Bali (Pharmacist, CVS)
Chris Flanary (Housing Program Specialist, City of Portland)
Potential
Ahlam Osman (candidate committee)
Rachel Clark (rumored)
District 4 (D4) - West
Declared (most recent on top)
Lisa Freeman (Community Safety Manager, City of Portland)
Chomba Kaluba (Founder of Apparel Brand Energy Iz Everything)
Jeremy Beausoleil Smith (Project Manager, Portland State University)
Soren Underdahl (Healthcare IT Consultant, CSI Companies)
Stan Penkin (President of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association)
Michael Trimble (Apartment Leasing, Career Strategies)
Ben Hufford (Architect, Design Department Architecture, Restaurant & Bar Owner)
Eric Zimmerman (Chief of Staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards)
Mitch Green (Army Veteran; Energy Economist)
Andra Vltavín (Environmental Justice Advocate)
Bob Weinstein (Neighborhood Activist; Former Mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska)
Eli Arnold (Police Officer, City of Portland)
Moses Ross (Chair, Multnomah Neighborhood Association; Community Activist)
Michael DiNapoli (Event Technology Engineer, People's AV Co.)
Sarah Silkie (Engineer, City of Portland)
Olivia Clark (Intergovernmental Relations Director for Governor John Kitzhaber)
Chad Lykins (Founder, Rose City Chess)
Tony Morse (Recovery Advocate & Former Policy Director)
Potential
Kelly Michael Doyle (rumored)
John Toran (candidate committee)
Nik Blosser (rumored)
County Commissioner Sharon Meieran (rumored)
Candidates for Portland Auditor
Declared
Simone Rede (Portland City Auditor, incumbent)
Media links:
April
OPB: After lengthy debate, Portland City Council advances Wheeler’s camping policy
NW Fresh Podcast: Keith Wilson
Bike Portland: City Council candidate Rex Burkholder on why he’s running
Portland Commissioner Gonzalez wants tougher stance on homeless camping
Gonzalez Seeks to Put All Rule-Making Power for a Camping Ban Under the Current and Future Mayor
Oregon Voter Digest: "Meet the Candidates: Dan Ryan, Tiffani Penson, Durrell Kinsey Bey"
Oregon Voter Digest: "Meet the Candidates: Keith Wilson, Rex Burkholder, Austin Daniel"
Bike Portland Podcast: Podcast: Riding southwest with City Council Candidate Chad Lykins
Willamette Week: Commissioner Mingus Mapps Explains How Ice Creates Potholes
Willamette Week: Rubio and Gonzalez Spar Over Clean Energy Fund
Bike Portland: Portland Police Officer and City Council Candidate Eli Arnold
Her Own Wings Podcast: Carmen Rubio
March
Portland Business Journal: Portland’s music industry could revitalize the city, experts say
Progress Portland Podcast: Nat West, District 2 Candidate
City Budget Office Rebukes Commissioner Dan Ryan’s Staffing Request
‘OPB Politics Now’ Podcast: Figuring out Rene Gonzalez and another plan on homelessness
OPB: Rene Gonzalez’s first year: On the offensive, but not always on target
Willamette Week: As Gonzalez Ramps Up Effort to Remodel PCEF Tax, Community Groups Plan a Defense
The Oregonian: Robin Ye' (D3) letter to the editor
Progress Portland Podcast: Candace Avalos (D1)
New York Times: ‘I’m Matt.’ For Some Politicians, Addiction Battles Drive Policymaking.
NW Fresh Podcast: Sandeep Bali
‘Reverend’ Nat West on his campaign for Portland City Council
Progress Portland Podcast: Candace Avalos
February
NW Fresh Podcast: Bob Weinstein
KOIN Eye on NW Politics: Commissioner Mingus Mapps on the current state of PBOT, campaign for mayor
KOIN: Former Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider owner vies for spot on Portland City Council
Bike Portland: In the Shed With City Council Candidate Nat West
Bike Portland: Mapps to PBOT union: Gas tax won’t fund, ‘bike lanes that drive everybody crazy’
Podcast: Get to know Portland mayoral candidate Keith Wilson
Bike Portland: Ride east Portland with City Council candidate Timur Ender
Progress Portland Podcast: Robin Ye
Bike Portland: 15 Minutes with Mariah Hudson
January
Willamette Week: Gonzalez Significantly Outraises Rubio and Mapps in Early Stages of Mayoral Race
Willamette Week: City Commissioner Dan Ryan Will Again Run for Portland City Council
OPB: Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan announces run for new council seat
KPTV: Commissioner Ryan announces candidacy for District 2 on future Portland City Council
Portland Mercury: Key Hire In City’s New Management Team Announced, to the Surprise of City Leaders
Progress Portland Podcast: Timur Ender (D1)
Progress Portland Podcast: Christopher Olson (D2)
Bike Portland Podcast: Portland City Council Candidate Jesse Cornett
OPB: Portland police investigating car fire in front of Commissioner Gonzalez’s house
KATU Your Voice Your Vote: Portland mayoral candidates Gonzalez, Rubio
KOIN: Eye on NW Politics: Former Bernie Sanders staff member running for Portland city council
KPTV: Commissioner Carmen Rubio announces campaign for Portland mayor
Willamette Week: Carmen Rubio Is Running for Portland Mayor
The Oregonian: City Commissioner Carmen Rubio joins race for Portland mayor
OPB: Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio announces mayoral campaign
KOIN “Eye on NW Politics”: Portland city council candidate Angelita Morillo on ‘breaking the divide’
Willamette Week: How Rene Gonzalez Would Respond to a Fresh Round of Anti-Trump Unrest
December
KOIN: Steve Novick re-runs for Portland City Council, urges ‘honest conversation’ on homeless, crime
Oregon Bridge Podcast: Olivia Clark brings an impressive resume to the PDC council race
Progress Portland Podcast: Chad Lykins (D4)
Bike Portland: Mapps launches gas tax renewal campaign expected to raise $70 million
Portland Mercury: Former City Commissioner Steve Novick Eyes Return to City Hall
Bike Portland: Burkholder, Novick jump into City Council District 3 race
OPB: Former Portland Commissioner Steve Novick joins 2024 council race
The Oregonian: Former Portland Commissioner Steve Novick launches City Council bid
Bike Portland: Mapps launches gas tax renewal campaign expected to raise $70 million
Willamette Week: Former Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick Will Run For City Council Next Year
Willamette Week: Mingus Mapps Shuffles Staff as Mayoral Bid Looms
KOIN: Commissioner Rene Gonzalez on campaign for Portland mayor and more
OPB: Rene Gonzalez joins 2024 race for Portland mayor
KPTV: City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez launches run for Portland mayor
KOIN: Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez announces 2024 run for mayor
KGW: Rene Gonzalez announces run for Portland mayor next year
Willamette Week: Rene Gonzalez Will Soon Announce Run for Portland Mayor
Portland Mercury: Dan Ryan Rules Out Running for Portland Mayor
Willamette Week: City Commissioner Dan Ryan Will Not Run for Portland Mayor
November
NW Fresh Podcast: Daniel DeMelo
Portland Mercury: Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates
OPB: Portland City Council approves new police oversight system, despite public concerns
Oregon Bridge Podcast: Tony Morse is the recovery candidate for Portland City Council
Portland Mercury: The Race For Portland's Next City Council Has Already Begun
City Cast Portland Podcast: What the Bike Lane Controversies Say about Portland Leadership
Bike Portland: Podcast: Council Candidate Steph Routh at Bike Happy Hour
Rose City Reform: Portland Auditor steps back from campaign finance oversight to seek re-election.
October
Bike Portland: Council candidate competes for best transportation policy platform
Willamette Week: Chloe Eudaly Won’t Run for City Council in 2024
Willamette Week: Portland Public Schools Teacher, Air Force Veteran Join Crowded City Council Race
Portland Mercury: Meet Your City Council Candidates
September
Willamette Week: Charter Commissioner Candace Avalos Announces City Council Candidacy
KOIN: DeMelo talks faults of Homeless Services, city council run after Oregonian op-ed
Willamette Week: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Will Not Seek a Third Term
Willamette Week: Rumored to Be Weighing Runs for Portland City Council, These Big Names Demur
August
Portland Mercury: The Race For Portland's Next City Council Has Already Begun
Bike Portland: Transportation reform advocate Steph Routh announces city council bid
Willamette Week: Murmurs: Campaign Season Begins for Expanded City Council
Willamette Week: Four Candidates File for Portland City Council Seats Opening in 2024
July
OPB: Portland Commissioner Mapps is running for mayor in 2024
KOIN: Mayoral-hopeful Mingus Mapps on making ‘an even better Portland’