Meet the candidates!

The February edition of Stump Talk kicks off Rose City Reform's first candidate spotlight.

Are you as curious as we are about who’s running for Portland City Council?

Then you’re in luck! This month kicks off our candidate spotlight series.

In our first installment, celebrating Black History Month, we introduce five council candidates who identify as Black.

Many Rose City Reform readers will recognize Candace Avalos as a former charter commissioner and a leading force behind Portland’s government reform measure. Avalos now leads the environmental advocacy group Verde and is a former chair of the Citizen Review Committee, a city board dedicated to police accountability. An alumna of Emerge, a training program for Democratic women, Avalos lost her first council bid to City Commissioner Carmen Rubio in 2020. Now, as a recent Oregon Labor Candidate School graduate, she’s campaigning for a seat in District 1 (East Portland).

Also seeking to represent District 1 is Terrence Hayes, an entrepreneur who owns a graffiti removal business. Hayes, whose cousin was fatally shot by a Portland police officer in 2017, chairs the city's Focused Intervention Task Force Community Oversight Group, advising law enforcement on how to curb gun violence and excessive use of police force.

In District 2 (Northeast Portland), David Burnell is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who serves on the Government Transition Advisory Committee, which oversees Portland's reform process. Enrolled in the Oregon Labor Candidate School, Burnell is also a Multnomah County Democratic Party organizer.

Fellow District 2 candidate John Middleton is an entrepreneur who operated his own commercial cleaning business for six years. Middleton serves on the board of Community Warehouse, a nonprofit that provides household items to people experiencing homelessness.

Last but not least, Tiffani Penson currently works for the city she wants to represent. With two decades of experience as a city employee, Penson – who’s running in District 2 – is a people and culture manager at City Hall. As a twice-elected Portland Community College board member, she already holds public office.

Let’s hear what the five candidates have to say.

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Candace Avalos (D1)

Why are you running for office?

It’s no secret that the challenges facing Portland are many and complex. Yet, Portland has the biggest opportunity in more than a century to transform how we lead our city. In 2025, when we implement the voter-approved changes to our city government, we’ll finally give voice to East Portlanders who have long been left behind by our city. As a longtime community advocate and grassroots organizer, I have shown my love for this city by being part of solutions to our biggest challenges. After many years as an active civic leader in Portland’s politics, I’m inspired to run for council to bring my policy expertise and community-minded leadership to City Hall.

What unique life or professional experience do you have that’s needed at City Hall?

I am a first-generation “Blacktina,” a daughter of Black Americans from southern Virginia and Guatemalan immigrants who immigrated to Washington, D.C., in the 1970s. The experiences of my multiracial family have shaped my justice-centered values and sparked my interest in government accountability. That led me down a path of service in student government and inspired my first career as an educator. As the Executive Director of Verde, a nonprofit that brings environmental investments to Portland's neighborhoods, I have overseen an organization actively correcting historic injustices to low-income communities and people of color on the frontlines of climate change. I have served on various city commissions, including the Citizen Review Committee, where I fought for increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement, and the Charter Review Committee, where I worked with the community to modernize and strengthen Portland’s form of government. The combination of my personal life story and years of civic service will help me be a community-minded, effective, and responsive leader for East Portland. 

Portland has big issues to tackle. What are you hopeful about?

I feel blessed to live in a vibrant city full of opportunities. This is a driving force for my motivation to be East Portland’s champion on the Portland City Council. What inspires me in a city that’s been heavily influenced by monied interests set on destroying Portland’s reputation is that Portlanders continue to show up to challenge the status quo and move a community-centered agenda forward. We cannot discount the progress we’ve made in various aspects of city life. That should re-energize us and give us hope that when we fight, we win. We’re a city full of character, depth, and creativity. Despite our flaws, we have an active community of advocates fighting for change. That fills me with hope.

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Terrence Hayes (D1)

Why are you running for office?

Portland, and especially East County, deserves leadership that will listen to its people and execute on their behalf. This city deserves to be clean, safe, and affordable. I decided to run because I believe in this city. I’m committed to fighting for its people - all of its people.

What unique life and or professional experience do you have that's needed at city hall?

As a small business owner I both understand the challenges of running a small business and what it takes for business to grow and thrive in Portland.  I will help create policies that strengthen businesses and work with government partners to protect small businesses from theft and vandalism. As a contractor, I have the ability and lived experience to properly execute the will of the voters. Measure 110 is a prime example of what happens when a great concept falls because leadership fails to execute properly. City Hall needs elected officials who will focus on what's best for Portland families. We need to make sure our streets and parks are clear of drugs and needles and safe for our children and elders to enjoy. I’m a husband and a father who is raising children in this city. I want to ensure that this city can be as amazing for them as it was for me.

Portland has big issues to tackle. What are you hopeful about?  

I'm excited to work with a vast number of people with different backgrounds and lived experiences. The new city council has the potential to truly represent the people of Portland. Portland deserves a city council that’s as diverse and multifaceted as the city itself. 

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David Burnell (D2)

Why are you running for office?

As a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who’s raising a family as a single parent, I feel it’s important for city leaders to start to address the contributing factors of the homelessness and substance abuse plaguing our streets. While we must increase and diversify Portland’s housing stock, it’s equally important that we connect people to agencies and resources to reduce the barriers individuals and families are facing and allow them to keep their housing long-term. This will have a positive domino effect on the environment in our neighborhoods. 

What unique life or professional experience do you have that’s needed at City Hall?

I have experience working with Portland’s houseless community. I also have experience with drug and alcohol counseling, suicide hotlines, and various government organizations. I understand how to bridge the gap and create real change in our city.

Portland has big issues to tackle. What are you hopeful about?

Charter reform presents a real opportunity for Portland to change the city's trajectory and bring us into a positive future.

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John Middleton (D2)

Why are you running for office?

Portland raised me, and I love this city. I want to be a part of getting Portland working for all of us. I believe the new city government should engage with compassion, collaborate between districts and the private sector, and lead with integrity. I’m running because I’m inspired by the opportunity to build an equitable foundation for Portland's future.

What unique life or professional experience do you have that’s needed at City Hall?

I view life through the lens of a Black man raised in a predominantly white community. My professional life has led me to work with businesses all over Portland. I understand just how interconnected we are. I am a think-slow, act-fast decision-maker. I don't believe I have the answer for everything. I know that there are talented and smart people here in Portland who have the experience to help solve the big and small issues we face. I would lean on them, listening to them for their wisdom and expertise.

Portland has big issues to tackle. What are you hopeful about?

Portland has big issues, but I see an underlying issue that we need to address while we work on other issues. We need to rebuild trust with the constituents of Portland. That has to come from a culture shift in our government. Our local policies, bureaus, and operating systems need to be examined and audited. It’s important that we build an equitable foundation that allows all parts of city government to work together to implement the results we want. We can do that by using an environmental lens and the framework established by the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity). If elected, I would lead with compassion, honesty, and integrity and be accountable for my actions.

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Tiffani Penson (D2)

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for Portland City Council to make our collective vision of a more inclusive, safe, and vibrant city a reality. My mission is to work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard, every community is flourishing, and that opportunity is available to all. Portland City Council needs leaders who are dedicated to making Portland a safe, functional, and thriving city with an inclusive and prosperous future. 

What unique life or professional experience do you have that’s needed at City Hall?

I was born and raised in Portland and have a deep understanding of the community I would be privileged to serve at City Hall. Over the past twenty years, I have worked at the City of Portland. My unique focus is on impacting transformational change across all bureaus and all departments. I believe my professional experience making impactful changes that resonate through all city bureaus is a skill we need on the council. In my work, I have supported women and minority-owned businesses by providing access to technical assistance and contracting opportunities, increased youth internships in both the private and public sectors, and collaborated with programs that expedite the cleaning of unsafe and unsanitary conditions across our city. Those are all examples of how I’ve made a positive impact. Our change to the new form of government is going to be challenging, and Portland needs someone with my successful experience overcoming obstacles, fostering lasting change, and making a difference, one program, one partnership, one person at a time.

Portland has big issues to tackle. What are you hopeful about?

I am very hopeful about the future. I believe Portland’s new form of government provides all of us with the opportunity to reimagine our city. Our city government will have council members focused on making policy and approving the budget, while the city manager will do the day-to-day work of the city. We’re creating a new Portland together, and I believe Portlanders are up for the challenge of choosing the candidate who will best serve them and our city. I will be working hard to earn their respect and their vote.

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In other election news.

A stripper and a transit advocate join the mayoral race.

What could be more Portland than an activist stripper joining the mayoral race? Liv Osthus, a Portland-based adult entertainer, is running for Portland Mayor. Osthus, a prolific writer, performer, and public speaker, is the subject of the documentary Thank You For Supporting the Arts and is a vocal advocate for the rights of sex workers. Watch her TEDx on the topic talk here.

Keith Wilson, a transit advocate and president of the regional transportation company Titan Freight Systems, also threw his hat into the mayoral ring this month. Wilson, who ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2020, is the founder of Shelter Portland, a network of flexible homeless shelters. He’s also the driving force behind the Homeless Court Program of Multnomah County, which clears fines and warrants for individuals experiencing homelessness upon successful completion of a rehabilitation program.

Chatter about who’s flush with cash - and who’s not.

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. At least two candidates, Jonathan Tasini (D2) and Angelita Morillo (D3), have echoed the rumors on social media. While the Metro Chamber's intention to support business-friendly candidates has been confirmed, the extent of their financial commitment remains unverified.

Similarly, unconfirmed speculation surrounds City Commissioner Mingus Mapps' prospects in the mayoral race. An Oregonian article recently reported that 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 may be a safer choice. Mapps has dismissed the rumors.

There’s a new PAC in town.

Housing Oregon, a coalition of seventy-five organizations dedicated to building, financing, and supporting affordable housing, has launched a Political Action Committee (PAC) focused on Portland's city council elections.

The PAC will support candidates who advocate for affordable housing and are committed to tackling Oregon's history of housing discrimination, PAC director Diane Linn told Rose City Reform. Key priorities for the PAC include promoting housing production and policies that advance housing affordability and justice in Portland, explained Linn, a former Multnomah County commissioner and long-time housing advocate.

“We don’t need heroes; we need solutions. We’re excited to identify leaders willing to work together to address our affordable housing crisis,” Linn said, adding that the PAC plans to unveil its endorsements in late May or early June.

Want real-time election coverage? Head on over to the Rose City Reform candidate tracker!

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2024 CITY CANDIDATES

Candidates for Portland Mayor:

1. Rene Gonzalez (Attorney, Current City Commissioner)

2. Durrell Kinsey Bey (Youth Essentials Coordinator, Reap, Inc.)

3. Mingus Mapps (Political Scientist, Current City Commissioner)

4. Liv Osthus (Stripper, Speaker, Performer, Writer)

5. Carmen Rubio (Policy Advisor & Nonprofit Executive, Current City Commissioner)

6. Keith Wilson (President of Titan Freight System & founder of Shelter Portland)

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Candidates for Portland City Council:

Each district elects three representatives.

District 1 (D1) - East Portland

1. Candace Avalos (Executive Director, Environmental Organization Verde)

2. Jamie Dunphy (Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network)

3. Timur Ender (Project Manager, Engineering Firm WSP)

4. Noah Ernst (Superintendent, Radio Cab Company)

5. Joe Furi (Supervisor, Thrive Communities)

6. Terrence Hayes (President, Restore Nuisance Abatement)

7. David Linn (Executive Assistant, Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology)

8. Deian Salazar (Autism Rights Advocate, Community Leader)

9. Steph Routh (Organizational Development Consultant, Steph Routh & Team, LLC)

10. Thomas Shervey (Office Assistant, Multnomah County)

11. Cayle Tern (Community Advocate and Organizer, Apano)

Potential

• Sonja McKenzie (candidate committee)

• Former County Commissioner Loretta Smith (rumored)

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District 2 (D2) - North/Northeast

1. James Armstrong (President, Alberta Eye Care)

2. Reuben Berlin (Banker, U.S. Bank)

3. Alan Blake (information pending)

4. David Burnell (Substance Abuse Counselor, Fora Health)

5. Marnie Glickman (Political Organizer & Strategist)

6. Mariah Hudson (Senior Communications Specialist, OHSU)

7. Debbie Kitchin (Owner, Commercial Contracting Firm InterWorks LLC)

8. Marc Koller (Senior Learning Consultant)

9. John Middleton (Entrepreneur)

10. Christopher Olson (Communication Specialist, Neighborhood Health Center)

11. Jennifer Park (Programs Director, The Shadow Project)

12. Tiffani Penson (People & Culture Manager, City of Portland)

13. Elana Pirtle-Guiney (Principal, Confluence Solutions)

14. Dan Ryan (Portland City Commissioner, Incumbent)

15. Brooklyn Sherman (Bus Driver, Portland Public Schools)

16. Laura Streib (Executive Director, Vibe of Portland)

17. Jonathan Tasini (Labor Organizer, Organizational and Communications Strategist)

18. Nat West (Founder, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, Bus Driver)

Potential

• PPS School Board Member Michelle DePass (rumored)

• Mike Marshall (rumored)

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District 3 (D3) - Central/Southeast

1. Matthew Anderson (Air Force Veteran)

2. Sandeep Bali (Pharmacist, CVS)

3. Rex Burkholder (Strategy and Story guy, The Oxalis Group)

4. Jesse Cornett (Policy and Advocacy Director, Oregon Recovers)

5. Daniel DeMelo (Software Engineer, Appfigures)

6. Chris Flanary (Housing Program Specialist, City of Portland)

7. Daniel Gilk (Programmer, Full-Time Dad)

8. Tiffany Koyama Lane (Teacher, Portland Public Schools)

9. Steve Novick (Attorney, Former City Commissioner)

10. Angelita Morillo (Policy Advocate, Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon)

11. Robin Ye (Political Director, East County Rising)

Potential

• Rachel Clark (rumored)

• Theo Hathaway Saner (candidate committee)

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District 4 (D4) - West

1. Chomba Kaluba (Founder of Apparel Brand Energy Iz Everything)

2. Eli Arnold (Police Officer, City of Portland)

3. Olivia Clark (Intergovernmental Relations Director for Governor John Kitzhaber)

4. Michael DiNapoli (Event Technology Engineer, People's AV Co.)

5. Mitch Green (Army Veteran; Energy Economist)

6. Ben Hufford (Architect)

7. Chad Lykins (Founder, Rose City Chess)

8. Tony Morse (Recovery Advocate & Former Policy Director)

9. Stan Penkin (President of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association)

10. Moses Ross (Chair, Multnomah Neighborhood Association; Community Activist)

11. Sarah Silkie (Engineer, City of Portland)

12. Jeremy Beausoleil Smith (Project Manager, Portland State University)

13. Michael Trimble (Apartment Leasing, Career Strategies)

14. Soren Underdahl (Healthcare IT Consultant, CSI Companies)

15. Andra Vltavín (Environmental Justice Advocate)

16. Bob Weinstein (Neighborhood Activist; Former Mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska)

17. Eric Zimmerman (Chief of Staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards)

Potential

• Nik Blosser (rumored)

• Stephen Hall (candidate committee)

• Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran (rumored)

• John Toran (candidate committee)

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Candidates for Portland Auditor

Simone Rede (Portland City Auditor, Incumbent)

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