Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
(Last updated on April 27, 2023)
68 council candidates. Six mayoral candidates. One candidate for auditor.
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The latest.
Brooklyn Sherman drops out of District 2 race.
Brooklyn Sherman, a Gen Z candidate who advocated for stronger rent control, has withdrawn from the crowded District 2 race.
"By suspending my campaign, I will be able to devote more time to the boards and committees I am committed to helping," Sherman said in a statement.
In his farewell message, Sherman 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.
Sherman is the second candidate to leave the District 2 race. Joseph Emerson withdrew in January after learning that his family was expecting twins.
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.
No path for Gonzalez’ camping ban.
On a 3-2 vote, the Portland City Council has rejected City Commissioner and mayoral hopeful Rene Gonzalez’s proposed public camping ban. The proposal aimed to grant mayors increased rule-making and enforcement powers over public camping. Initially, it included potential jail sentences for violators but was progressively softened to eliminate criminal penalties.
“Camping bans are not a banishment. Vagrancy laws have been part of our legal tradition for centuries, partly because we simply cannot function without addressing what can and can’t be done in the public right-of-way,” Gonzalez stated.
“The new charter provides explicit authority to the mayor and the city administrator to make rules,” he said.
Gonzalez’s proposal sought to amend a public camping ordinance proposed by Mayor Ted Wheeler, which will be up for a vote next week. Wheeler’s plan is a reworked version of the public camping ban passed by the council last year, which faced legal challenges before it could be enacted.
Gonzalez criticized Wheeler’s proposal as “too complicated” and claimed it diverges too much from policies in neighboring jurisdictions. The commissioner said his amendments would allow for greater flexibility by giving the mayor more discretion.
Wheeler’s plan assigns the authority over public camping to the city council, with the mayor and city administrator simply enforcing the council’s rules. Wheeler rejected the notion that this arrangement would reduce the council's flexibility.
“The council can always change course if circumstances change,” Wheeler noted, adding that he and Gonzalez largely agree on the desired end goal but differ in their views on how to achieve it.
Mayor Wheeler and Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Mingus Mapps voted against the ban, while Commissioner Ryan supported it. Rubio and Mapps are mayoral candidates, while Ryan is campaigning for a council seat in District 2.
Most council candidates have refrained from engaging in the camping ban debate, although homelessness policy will be a major task for the new council. One candidate – Chris Olson, who’s running in District 2 – attended the meeting to testify in opposition to penalties for public camping.
“People want to be invested in, not punished,” Olson said.
Conversely, Deian Salazar, a candidate in District 1, released a statement publicly endorsing Gonzalez's plan.
“This will provide the mayor the ability to adapt on the fly and adjust camping restrictions dynamically instead of having them stuck in the bureaucratic black hole,” Salazar commented.
PPS Board Member Michelle DePass enters council race.
Michelle DePass, a twice-elected member of the Portland School Board and the first person of color to chair it, has entered the District 2 race.
DePass is the third candidate to declare her candidacy for District 2 this month, joining Sam Sachs, founder of the racial justice organization The No Hate Zone, and Nabil Zaghloul, director of Multnomah County’s bilingual social services hub, Bienestar de Familia. Based on filings with the city and the Oregon Secretary of State, the candidate headcount for District 2 has now reached twenty-three, although at least one, Alan Blake, does not appear to be actively pursuing a seat.
In the spirit of camaraderie that has become emblematic of the 2024 council race, District 2 contender Mike Marshall welcomed DePass to the race in an Instagram post. “The beauty of electing three people with ranked choice voting is that we all get to get along,” Marshall wrote.
Neighborhood Association Chair and others join D3 race.
Kelly Janes, president of the Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association in Southeast Portland, has announced her candidacy for District 3. Janes is the founder of OwlX Collective, a web design firm. She’s also the president of Benson TechBoosters, the fundraising arm for Benson Polytechnic High School.
Janes told Rose City Reform her top priorities are affordable housing, public health and safety, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic and job development.
“I'm focused on transparency, inclusiveness, and accessibility for all Portlanders,” she said.
Also new in District 3 are Jonathan Walker, a freelance writer and policy analyst for the Oregon Health Authority, and Luke Zak, a political organizer and sales manager at Travel Salem.
Candidates join residents to voice alarm about aging fuel tanks.
Multiple council candidates joined residents from over eighty Portland neighborhoods to demand action to prevent a potential environmental catastrophe at the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub along the Willamette River. Concerns are rising over the stability of over 600 aging fuel storage tanks, vulnerable to damage from earthquakes and located on liquefiable soil, which could result in toxic spills.
The event, held at Augustana Lutheran Church in northwest Portland, included District 2 candidates Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, and Jonathan Tasini. Also in attendance were Robin Ye from District 3, along with District 4 candidates Andra Vltavín and Bob Weinstein.
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."
Alliances emerge between candidates.
Alliances are beginning to form among the candidates seeking positions on the Portland City Council. This week saw Steph Routh (D1) and Chad Lykins (D4) become the first duo to share official endorsements on social media. Both candidates lean progressive and boast strong community ties—Routh is a long-time climate and transportation advocate, while Lykins founded and runs a popular chess club for children and youth across Oregon.
Routh and Lykins are not the only ones supporting their fellow council contenders. City Commissioner Dan Ryan (D2) has thrown his support behind Stan Penkin and Eric Zimmerman in District 4. Michael DiNapoli (D4) and Moses Ross (D4) are backing Marc Koller in District 2. To date, no candidates within the same district have officially endorsed each other, yet several informal alliances have taken shape between candidates who organize joint events. For instance, climate advocates Sarah Silkie and Andra Vltavín frequently collaborate in District 4.
In a similar vein, District 2 candidate Nat West launched his council campaign at Old Town Brewing Company last month, accompanied by several other "values-aligned" candidates. Two were from his own district: Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Jennifer Park.
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.
Tony Morse proposes new addiction office.
Tony Morse, a candidate in District 4, announced a proposal to establish a Coordinated Office of Addiction Response to tackle the city's addiction crisis. The initiative aims to unify efforts between the City of Portland, Multnomah County, state agencies, and behavioral health partners to address Oregon's addiction crisis.
“A coordinated approach would better position us as local leaders to address all facets of the addiction crisis,” Morse told Rose City Reform.
“If you look at Oregon’s history and how we got here, the problem is that we have had a fragmented and siloed approach. By bringing all key stakeholders together under one roof, we can run a joint command center and braid revenue streams to act more purposefully,” he said.
Portland Street Response becomes top election issue.
Portland Street Response (PSR), the city's unarmed crisis intervention team, has emerged as one of the hottest topics of the 2024 campaign season. The program is currently facing a $3 million budget shortfall, which has led to animated discussions about its future.
The advocacy group Friends of PSR is currently circulating a pledge among city candidates to approve funding for PSR to operate 24/7. By signing, candidates commit to collaborating with Friends of PSR to pass an ordinance within their first two months in office for PSR's around-the-clock operations. The pledge also seeks to integrate PSR as 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, and Theo Hathaway Saner, Robin Ye in District 3, and Mitch Green, Chad Lykins, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, Jeremy Smith, Michael Trimble, and Andra Vltavín in District 4.
District voter counts are out.
Multnomah County has released voter counts for Portland’s four new council districts. District 1 has 106,047 registered voters, District 2 has 115,888, District 3 has 124,609, and District 4 has 110,503. See approximate party affiliations below.
Portland’s new voting method for city council – single transferable vote, or proportional ranked choice voting – requires candidates to secure just over 25% of the district vote. Based on an average of approximately 114,000 votes per district, that translates into about 28,500 votes. Of course, all registered voters don’t turn out to vote. Adjusting for Portland’s expected turnout rate of 70-80%, candidates would need between 20,000 and 22,800 votes to win a seat.
Women are underrepresented in city races.
Although Portland’s election reform intends to diversify representation, only a quarter of Portland’s council candidates are women. Three percent (two candidates) identify as nonbinary. In the mayoral race, two of six candidates are women, which amounts to a third of the candidate pool. To learn more about many of the women and nonbinary candidates running for city council, tune into XRAY.FM’s candidate forum Amplify Women.
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The money.
Innovative fundraising approaches.
The 2024 campaign cycle has witnessed some creative approaches to fundraising. In District 2, Marnie Glickman is offering a bowl of homemade matzo ball soup to her 250th small donor. The specific number is strategic; accumulating 250 individual contributions from Portland residents allows a candidate to qualify for public financing from the city.
In the mayoral race, Liv Osthus is marketing t-shirts adorned with a cartoon depiction of the candidate posing topless, accompanied by the slogan "Viva for Mayor." The image pays homage to Osthus's career as a dancer at Mary's, an iconic Portland strip club.
Fundraising surge for Dan Ryan.
City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who’s running in District 2, has surpassed Mariah Hudson as the district’s top fundraiser. While Ryan had a modest start, he has now amassed over $50,000. Ryan has a long list of endorsers, including former city commissioners Amanda Fritz and Michael Lindberg, Portland Metro Chamber President Andrew Hoan, mayoral candidate Keith Wilson, and Vadim Mozyrsky, who’s running for Multnomah County Commission.
The top fundraisers in Portland’s other three districts are Steph Routh (D1), with $85,500 raised; Angelita Morillo (D3), with $77,900; and Olivia Clark (D4), with $88,000.
Gonzalez has raised twice as much as the closest competitor.
City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez comfortably leads fundraising for the mayor’s race with $130,000 raised, according to filings with the Oregon Secretary of State.
According to the same source, City Commissioner Mingus Mapps has raised approximately $60,000. Filings show that his campaign is currently several thousand dollars in the red. City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who announced nearly six months after Mapps, has amassed nearly $54,000.
Public campaign financing within reach for popular candidates.
Ten council candidates have met the qualifications to receive a $40,000 match from Portland’s public campaign financing program: 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, and Stan Penkin in District 4. No candidates from District 2 have yet qualified for public matching funds.
To qualify for a match, council candidates must secure 250 individual contributions from Portland residents. Angelita Morillo, a policy activist and social media influencer from District 3, stands out for amassing over 1,000 small contributions.
Sitting commissioners can vote on Small Donor Elections.
The Willamette Week wrote about the upcoming council vote on funding for Small Donor Elections, Portland’s underfunded public campaign financing program. According to Portland City Attorney Robert Taylor, sitting commissioners don’t have a conflict of interest despite being enrolled in the program themselves. Rose City Reform reported on this in January. You can read our story here.
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, 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.
Union dispute potential political hot potato.
Portland’s City Council is facing a conflict with labor unions over proposed changes to health insurance benefits for city employees. At the heart of the dispute is a city proposal aimed at reducing benefits to manage escalating costs. Maintaining current benefits would lead to a near-12% cost increase, amounting to an additional $16 million over last year. Conversely, proposed changes would limit the increase to 8%, or a $4 million increase.
Unions, representing the majority of Portland's 7,500 employees, argue that the move is akin to reducing their pay without negotiation. A vote on the matter is scheduled for the end of the month. The timing of the vote is politically sensitive as three council members are running for mayor, and one is seeking a council seat in District 2. As reported by Rose City Reform earlier this month, a labor coalition is actively organizing to back candidates in Portland’s 2024 election. Labor endorsements and the ability to sway public opinion through independent political expenditure could impact outcomes in competitive races.
On the topic of conditions for city workers, Willamette Week’s story about the Kerby garage is a good read.
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.
Other electeds are backing mayoral and council candidates.
Mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio stands out as the only mayoral candidate with a list of official endorsements from past and present officeholders. Other candidates with endorsements from electeds include Candace Avalos (D1), Olivia Clark (D4), Jesse Cornett (D3), James Armstrong (D2), Marc Koller (D2), David Linn (D1), Chad Lykins (D4), Angelita Morillo (D3), Tony Morse (D4), Steve Novick (D3), Elana Pirtle-Guiney (D2), Steph Routh (D1), Deian Salazar (D1), Robin Ye (D3), and Eric Zimmerman (D4).
While it’s still early, national endorsements are starting to trail in. Candace Avalos (D1), Steph Routh (D1), and Robin Ye (D3) have secured national endorsements from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. Avalos and Ye also enjoy support from Lead Locally, a group supporting Green New Deal leaders.
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.
Cruising to City Council?
Six candidates participated in the community bike race Ladds 500. Bike Portland filmed the event and chatted with team members of “Team Cruising to City Council,” featuring Timur Ender and David Linn from District 1, Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Nat West from District 2, and Rex Burkholder and Jesse Cornett from District 3. The candidate segment starts around minute 6.
Liv Osthus discusses mayoral bid.
Liv Osthus, the most recent candidate for mayor, appeared on KATU’s Your Voice Your Vote 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.
Tension between mayoral candidates.
Mayoral candidates Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez are at odds over Portland’s Clean Energy Fund, a business tax that funds clean energy community investments. A Willamette Week story outlines a frosty email exchange between the candidates where Rubio expressed frustration that Gonzalez called a meeting about the fund’s future without inviting Rubio’s office.
Rubio on mayoral run.
City Commissioner Carmen Rubio appeared on KGW’s Straight Talk in March to discuss her run for Portland mayor. Rubio pointed out that the challenge of housing initially inspired her to pursue office, emphasizing that it will continue to be her focus if she becomes mayor. She pledged her support for increasing the budget of the Portland Street Response, the city's non-armed crisis intervention team, emphasizing the need for "a leadership commitment from the top."
Rubio said a key task for the next mayor would be to "elevate the values and the vision for the city of Portland." When asked why she’s the most suitable candidate for the role, she responded that she is the sole contender with a proven track record of getitng things done at City Hall.
“Now more than ever, we need people who can work with others constructively and productively,” she said.
“Portlanders are tired of public officials fighting in public,” she added.
Carmen Rubio was also interviewed on the podcast Her Own Wings, which features women holding public office.
Wilson says he will end unsheltered homelessness in first year as mayor.
In March, mayoral candidate Keith Wilson appeared on KGW to outline his ambitious plan to end unsheltered homelessness within his first year in office. He proposes collaborating with community partners to rapidly introduce four thousand overnight shelter beds, an approach he says will help get his high school classmates off the streets. The mayoral hopeful shared that he grew up with some of the individuals currently living outside.
Wilson is the president of the transportation company Titan Freight Systems and is also at the helm of Shelter Portland, a network of overnight shelters.
Media appearances by district.
This section lists candidates’ media appearances in March and April. For a more exhaustive and chronological list, visit our media links below.
District 1
Multiple candidates participated in a District 1 candidate forum
Jamie Dunphy moderates a panel on music and entertainment policy
District 2
District 3
District 4
The social.
Steph Routh on fallen workers.
Steph Routh attended Workers Memorial Day, an annual ceremony honoring Oregon workers who have died on the job.
“I have found myself thinking a lot about how the most injurious circumstances I have faced have been when I was paid the least,” she noted in an Instagram post.
In 2023, fifty-six Oregon workers lost their lives at their workplace.
Morillo on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.
District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo recently shared a photo of herself at a protest opposing a potential Supreme Court decision that could allow cities to impose harsher penalties for public camping. The case in question, City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, examines whether enforcing anti-camping laws in the absence of available shelter violates the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishment." This ruling could profoundly affect how cities nationwide handle homelessness, particularly in terms of punitive actions against the unsheltered.
“Most of us are just one emergency, one paycheck, one unplanned life event from being homeless. It is nonsensical to build more jail beds when we could invest in housing,” wrote Morillo, who experienced a period of homelessness as a young student.
Tasini racks up labor endorsements.
District 2 candidate and veteran union organizer Jonathan Tasini celebrated his endorsement from the Oregon NW Labor Council on Linkedin.
“My campaign has the most individual labor union endorsements of any candidate running in the city,” wrote Tasini, who has forty years of union membership under his belt.
“I’ve walked countless picket lines, organized new union members, championed laws to empower workers and been a voice for labor in the media,” he added.
Tasini promised that if he’s elected, he’ll champion raising wages for all city workers, increasing the city metro minimum wage, and introducing a four-day work week.
Other candidates who have received the Oregon NW Labor Council’s endorsement include Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphym and Steph Routh in District 1.
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 in this selfie with Tony Morse (D4), Jonathan Tasini (D2), and Deian Salazar (D3). Though not pictured, Jeremy Smith (D4) also joined the crew.
Candidate cleaning crew.
District 2 candidate Nat West was joined by multiple candidates at an Adopt One Block downtown cleanup session on a sunny Portland day. West, an entrepreneur who founded the now-closed Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, is running on a platform that includes expanding the city’s sanitation services.
“I’m heartened by the people running for office because they love Portland and want to see its renaissance,” D2 candidate Laura Streib wrote in an Instagram post about the event.
West’s group included mayoral candidate Liv Osthus, District 2 candidates Debbie Kitchin, Chris Olson, Tiffany Penson, and Laura Streib, District 3 candidates Jessie Cornett, Chris Flanary, and Luke Zak, and District 4 candidates Mitch Green, Jeremy Smith, Andra Vltavín and Bob Weinstein.
District D4 candidate Stan Penkin also participated in the event alongside members of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association, which he chairs.
Gonzalez: Send PCEF back to voters.
City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez suggested in a Twitter post that the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), a business tax supporting clean energy community investments, needs a major overhaul.
“Our responsibility as stewards for the city includes reevaluating voter-approved items from time to time, even over the objections of vested interests benefiting significantly from the status quo,” Gonzalez said.
The city council is expected to hold a work session to discuss PCEF’s future next month.
PSR is treated as a political prop, Eli Arnold says.
Eli Arnold, a Portland police officer and a candidate in District 4, posted a video on Instagram about his decision not to sign the Save Portland Street Response pledge
“Portland response has suffered from being treated as an ideological problem rather than a tool,” Eli said.
“One of the frustrating things for me as a police officer has been people kind of using me as a prop in their own personal morality tale rather than seeing me as an actual person doing actual work,” he stated. Arnold said he looks forward to collaborating with Portland Street Response on how to “move forward pragmatically.”
Over twenty candidates have signed the pledge, which commits them to passing an ordinance within their first two months in office that secures funding for PSR to operate around the clock. The pledge also seeks to integrate PSR as an equal branch of the city's first responder network.
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.
Gonzalez signals support for law and order.
City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez showed his support on Twitter for a police raid that led to the arrest of eight people in a Portland tent camp. “Too much criminality & service resistance in Oregon’s unsanctioned encampments,” Gonzalez commented.
Candidates diverge on Gaza ceasefire.
District 4 candidate Eli Arnold posted a video on Instagram questioning the Multnomah County Board’s recent resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Arnold said local government should focus on building consensus about local issues rather than commenting on national affairs.
Other candidates take a different approach. Council candidates who have called for a ceasefire include Candace Avalos (D1), Timur Ender (D1), Tiffany Koyama Lane (D3), Angelita Morillo (D3), Christopher Olson (D2), Steph Routh (D1), Andra Vltavín (D4), Nat West (D2), and Robin Ye (D3).
In a Twitter post, city commissioner and mayoral hopeful Carmen Rubio voiced her support for the county board’s ceasefire resolution and said she would discuss with her council colleagues how to “share our collective thoughts with our congressional delegation so that they know exactly where we stand.”
To date, Portland’s city council has not adopted a position on a Gaza ceasefire.
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. Former Portland General Electric VP Nik Blosser, who spent time in Governor Kate Brown’s and President Biden’s administrations, is rumored to be considering a run for District 4. So is Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, who will be term-limited out of office this year.
The Events.
April 25: Last Thursday Art & Politics feat. James Armstrong (D2) and State Representative Thuy Tran
When: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Where: Alberta Eye Care, 2021 Northeast Alberta Street
April 26: Candidate Coffee with Chad Lykins (D4)
When: 8:00AM-9:00AM
Where: Spielman Bagels and Coffee Roasters, 7713 Southwest Capitol Highway
April 27: Lisa Freeman (D4) Neighborhood Launch Party
When: 10:30AM-12:00PM
Where: Sage Fowers, 7808 SW Capitol Highway
April 27: Spring Fling St Johns (D2 Candidate James Armstrong has a table)
When: 11:00AM-2:00PM
Where: Cathedral Eye Care, 8787 North Lombard Street
April 27: Mayoral Candidate Durrell Kinsey Bey Meet-and Greet
When: 12:00PM-2:00PM
Where: Akadi PDX, 1001 SE Division, Unit 2
April 28: Will Mespelt Campaign Kickoff
When: 4:00PM-
Where: Chill N Fill 5215 N Lombard Street
April 28: Candidate Office Hours with Dan Gilk (D3)
When: 4:30PM-6:00PM
Where: Floyd's Coffee House and Wine Bar, 1996 SE Ladd Ave
April 29: Happy Hour & 1000 Door Celebration with Chad Lykins (D4)
When: 5:00PM-6:30PM
Where: John's Marketplace, 3535 SW Multnomah Boulevard
May 4: Discussion on Food Security Lead by Mayoral Candidate Durrell Kinsey Bey
When: 3:30PM-
Where: Café Eleven, 435 NE Rosa Parks Way
May 5: District 4 Council + Mayoral Candidate Forum feat. several candidates
When: 11:00AM-12:30PM
Where: Linnton Community Center, 10614 NW St Helens Road
May 5: Candidate Office Hours with Dan Gilk (D3)
When: 4:30PM-6:00PM
Where: Floyd's Coffee House and Wine Bar, 1996 SE Ladd Ave
June 2: Candace Avalos Campaign Kickoff
When: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Where: East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Avenue
June 15: Robin Ye Campaign Kickoff
When: 3:00PM-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 $129,900
Carmen Rubio: $60,500
Mingus Mapps: $59,600
Council races:
Olivia Clark (D4): $88,000*
Steph Routh (D1): $85,500*
Angelita Morillo (D3): $78,300*
*Includes a $40,000 public campaign financing match
Source: Oregon Secretary of State, last updated 4/25/23
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)
Marc Koller (Senior Learning Consultant)
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’