Politics

All articles tagged "Politics"
News Dec 6 3:30 PM

Dan Ryan Announces District 3 Council Candidate as Key Staff Pick 

A veteran City Hall executive who recently ran for a Council seat will lead Ryan's office. Mayor-elect Keith Wilson has also picked a top staffer.

News Nov 19 11:20 AM

Multnomah County Chair Defends Herself Against Former Employee's Lawsuit

A former employee alleges retaliation for blowing the whistle on potential records law violations among staff in Jessica Vega Pederson's office.

News Nov 12 5:00 PM

City Council Urged to Postpone Vote on Controversial Downtown Service District Contract

Citing ethical issues and potential conflicts of interest, advocates want the city to halt a no-bid contract renewal that would funnel millions to the Portland Metro Chamber.

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News Nov 8 4:14 PM

Friday Election Results: Bynum Flips US House Seat Blue; Close Race in Portland City Council District 4

Portland will have the most racially diverse City Council the city has ever seen, with a progressive majority.

News Nov 6 7:30 PM

Keith Wilson is Portland’s Next Mayor

Portland’s City Council races are still being tallied, but preliminary results have held firm since Tuesday night.

News Nov 6 3:09 PM

UPDATE: City Commissioners Abandon Plans to Terminate Joint Homeless Response Agreement With Multnomah County

A Portland City Council discussion that could've ended a collaborative agreement, without a backup plan in place, has been scrapped a day after the election. The move would've cost the city more than $40M.

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News Nov 5 7:00 PM

It's the Mercury's 2024 General Election Night Live Blog!

All the parties, all the results, and all the election night DRAMAZ!

News Oct 24 1:02 PM

Rubio Campaign Didn’t Violate Election Rules, Auditor’s Office Says

Two complaints involving Carmen Rubio yielded no findings of wrongdoing, but the investigations highlight a rivalry between Rubio’s supporters and those backing Rene Gonzalez

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City Council Race 2024 Oct 23 4:32 PM

Meet Your Portland 2024 Mayoral Candidates

Here's who wants to be Portland's next mayor.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 22 2:15 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 4

These candidates are running in the district composed of Portland's west side and some Southeast neighborhoods.

News Oct 21 10:55 AM

Auditor's Office: Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Rules and Tried to Obstruct Investigation

A re-determination by the Portland Auditor's Office finds city commissioner used taxpayer funds to benefit his campaign. Investigators say Gonzalez and his staffers lied about key documents and tried to interfere with the investigation.

Election Guide 2024 Oct 16 3:48 AM

Mercury Endorsements: District 4 Candidates

Our top three picks for the District 4 City Council race—ranked for your convenience.

Election Guide 2024 Oct 16 3:32 AM

Small Donors, Big Changes

With a Government Transition, More Candidates Tapped Into Public Campaign Funding Than Ever—Here’s How It Works.

City Council Race 2024 Oct 8 4:36 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 3

These candidates are running in the district that encompasses most of Southeast Portland east of the river to I-205.

News Oct 3 4:16 PM

Portland Elections Division Issues Warning Letter to Gonzalez Campaign Over Political Sign

A large sign supporting Rene Gonzalez for mayor left out a fine print financial disclosure. A separate investigation into his use of taxpayer funds was recently reopened.

News Oct 2 3:31 PM

Portland Auditor's Office Will Take Another Look At Gonzalez's Potential Campaign Finance Violation

Citing new information, auditors will revisit their prior determination of insufficient evidence of illegal activity related to Wikipedia edits

News Sep 30 8:55 AM

Controversial Dark Money Group, People For Portland, Dissolves Amid State Elections Investigation

The political organization known for its aggressive billboards says its election law violation had 'nothing to do' with decision. Another investigation is still active.

News Sep 16 1:57 PM

Auditors Determine Insufficient Evidence that Rene Gonzalez Violated Campaign Finance Laws

Despite "exceedingly close call" Portland Auditor's Office says commissioner and mayoral candidate's use of taxpayer money to alter his Wikipedia page isn't a definitive violation. Secretary of State will investigate other potential violations.

City Council Race 2024 Sep 11 2:03 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 1

These candidates are running in the district encompassing East Portland.

News Aug 19 8:57 AM

Portland Elections Office Investigating Rene Gonzalez For Using Taxpayer Funds on Wikipedia Edits

Records show Auditor's Office received three complaints over a $6,400 expenditure by the city commissioner's office to alter his Wikipedia page in the thick of campaign season.

News Aug 6 7:00 AM

Advocates say Portland is Overdue for a Tenant Bill of Rights

After the defeat of an eviction defense measure in 2023, organizers aren’t done pushing for renters’ protections

News Jul 30 1:55 PM

City Commissioner Receives Frosty Reception at County Democrats Event

Rene Gonzalez’s campaign for Portland mayor highlights rifts among local Democrats. Some say the party’s politics have diversified.

News Jul 24 11:03 AM

How Rene Gonzalez Found Common Ground With a Right Wing Provocateur

Over the span of 24 hours, the Portland commissioner and mayoral candidate managed to anger his most conservative supporters, while inflaming progressives over a recent nod to Andy Ngo.

City Council Race 2024 Jul 18 12:45 PM

Here's Who's Running for Portland City Council in 2024

As the city gears up for a new government structure and a 12-person council, candidates are in the thick of campaign season for a pivotal November election.

City Council Race 2024 Jul 17 2:46 PM

Meet the Portland City Council Candidates: District 2

These candidates are running in the district located in North and Northeast Portland.

News Jul 10 7:48 AM

How a Super PAC Upended Portland’s 3rd Congressional District Race

Polling shows candidate Susheela Jayapal had an impressive lead in spring, before AIPAC spent big money to help Maxine Dexter defeat her.

News Jun 28 2:41 PM

What the Supreme Court’s Ruling Against Homelessness Means for Portland and Oregon

Portland must still abide by state law—policy which some experts say should be adopted by the entire nation.

News Jun 26 12:43 PM

Candidate for Mayor Carmen Rubio Snaps Up Endorsement From Gov. Tina Kotek

Rubio is among a crowded field of mayoral candidates, including two other current city commissioners.

News May 22 9:23 AM

Democrats Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum Pull Off Wins in Key Oregon Congressional Races

Both candidates will face Republican challengers in the November election. Dexter is expected to win the 3rd District this fall, while Bynum is hoping to flip the 5th District in the general election.

News May 22 7:11 AM

Update: DA Mike Schmidt Concedes in Primary Election Marked by Big Spending, Progressive Upsets

County commissioners race: Shannon Singleton, Vadim Mozyrsky, and Meghan Moyer advance to November runoff. Jessie Burke and Sam Adams nearly tied for second place in District 2.

News May 18 12:45 PM

May Primary Will Test Portlanders’ Tolerance For Outside Spending On Local Elections

Portland voters have tried to get big money out of local politics for years, but it has poured into Congressional races this spring.

News May 17 3:15 PM

As Maxine Dexter Touts Progressive Values, Conservative Donors are Flooding Her Campaign Coffers

With the election to determine who will take over Oregon's 3rd House District just days away, will Maxine Dexter's flood of opaque donations impact the race?

News May 17 8:23 AM

What Multnomah County Voters Could Learn From Others Who Ousted Progressive DAs

Voters’ fears over crime and safety often fuel election outcomes. Evidence shows prosecutors have little impact on crime rates.

News May 8 7:40 AM

Dark Money Casts a Shadow on Maxine Dexter’s Campaign

In one of Oregon’s most progressive congressional districts, anonymous super PAC money and tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza have taken the spotlight.

News May 2 6:42 PM

Police Arrest 30 During Portland State University Library Raid and Ongoing Protest

As cops swarm the urban campus to disband a days-long occupation, teachers denounce police response to campus protests across Oregon.

News Apr 25 4:15 PM

What Would You Do With $15 Million of City Money? Petition Would Give Portlanders a Say

If a participatory budgeting campaign gets off the ground, residents would be able to spend 2 percent—about $15 million—of the city’s budget each year on community projects.

News Mar 7 5:15 PM

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Adopts Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

County leaders unanimously approved a resolution after amendments, contentious back-and-forth between commissioners and the public

News Mar 1 6:20 PM

Multnomah County Commissioners Poised to Vote on Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Lori Stegmann, has been in the works for the last month. But pro-Palestine organizers are disappointed by what they see as a watered-down statement.

News Feb 21 6:45 PM

Charter Reform: City Approves Lucrative Salary, Severance Packages for Temporary Managers

Portland's new governing structure calls for a handful of deputy city administrators. Commissioners aren't sure they can recruit them.

News Feb 1 1:40 PM

Rene Gonzalez Holds Sizable Fundraising Lead in Portland Mayor’s Race

With the city's Small Donor Elections program facing a budget shortfall, campaigns may have to adjust their strategy ahead of a pivotal election.

News Jan 25 5:35 PM

Dan Ryan Will Run for City Council in District 2

While his colleagues run for mayor, Ryan is aiming to continue serving as a city council member.

News Jan 19 1:30 PM

Portland's Plan To Spur Housing Development by Relaxing Regulations Has Political Implications

The code change discussions underscored key differences amongst Portland City Council members— some of whom are competing for the mayoral seat this year.

News Jan 9 10:22 PM

Auditor: County Contracting Rules Bent to Favor Seattle-Based Nonprofit

A Multnomah County auditor's memo notes staff felt "pressured" by Susheela Jayapal, now running for Congress, to alter an application process to benefit Housing Connector, which later landed a lucrative contract.

News Jan 9 10:38 AM

Carmen Rubio Enters 2024 Portland Mayor's Race

The city commissioner is the third person on council to launch a campaign for mayor under Portland's new form of government.

News Dec 17 11:40 AM

Former City Commissioner Steve Novick Eyes Return to City Hall

Novick is running to represent District 3, after a former stint on Portland City Council.

News Dec 14 12:44 PM

Governor Kotek’s Central City Task Force Plan, Developed Behind Closed Doors, Gets Mixed Reviews

Task force plan recommends major public policy changes, but the public was barred from providing input or attending meetings.

News Dec 7 2:30 PM

Rene Gonzalez Announces Bid For Portland Mayor

Known for his conservative policies, Gonzalez is the second on council to announce a 2024 mayoral campaign.

News Dec 4 11:45 AM

Dan Ryan Rules Out Running for Portland Mayor

The city commissioner will decide whether to run for a council district by late January, as speculation swirls over who might challenge Mingus Mapps in 2024 race.

News Nov 22 11:40 AM

Jewish Activists Blockade Rep. Earl Blumenauer's Portland Office For Second Time in Two Weeks

Hours before an Israel/Hamas truce announcement, protesters pressured the Oregon congressman to follow Sen. Jeff Merkley’s call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

News Nov 20 7:09 PM

Protesters Picket Boeing Over Weapons Shipments to Israel

Activists blocked entrances at Boeing’s Gresham plant, saying the company needs to be held accountable for its role in the Hamas/Israel war that has killed thousands.

Politics Nov 10 2:18 PM

Portland Activists Stage Sit-In at Rep. Blumenauer’s Office In Hopes He'll Support a Cease-Fire in Gaza

Activists hope Blumenauer, a longtime progressive, will eventually be responsive to their demands.

Police Oversight Nov 8 4:23 PM

City Council Approves Independent Monitor to Watch Over Cops

The monitor will determine if Portland Police remain compliant with the DOJ’s demands regarding the bureau’s excessive use of force.

News Nov 3 3:46 PM

City Council Won’t Let Go of Bureau Control as Charter Reform Transition Continues

In the race to implement government changes, commissioners break with the mayor over a timeline for bringing in deputy city administrators.

News Nov 3 7:20 AM

Portland’s Palestinian Diaspora Says Gaza is ‘More Than Its Suffering’

With Gaza under assault, local Palestinians reflect on the cycle of displacement that’s now preventing some residents from fleeing their war-torn homes

News Oct 4 3:00 PM

Portland City Commissioners Push Back on Mayor’s Plans For Government Transition

A fiery work session is just one example of clashes between city commissioners and mayor’s office over plans to prepare for a new, 12-person council

News Sep 20 5:20 PM

Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell Will Step Down, as Mayor Announces Interim Chief

Lovell, who was appointed chief in 2020, said he never intended to serve as chief through retirement. He will move into a community engagement role at Portland Police Bureau.

News Sep 14 8:40 PM

With Politics in Rearview, Mayor Wheeler Announces ‘Doubling Down’ on Homeless, Economic Policies

Portland mayor says he's committed to ending homeless camping, boosting economy, and hiring interim city manager before leaving office.

News Sep 13 3:30 PM

Portland Mayor Wheeler Says He Won't Seek Another Term

Addressing questions about a reelection bid, Wheeler says city's current challenges will require all of his focus over the next 15 months.

News Sep 7 10:00 AM

Portland City Councilors Will Lobby For Change in State Law to Pave Way For Criminalization of Drugs

City leaders blame a loophole in state law for the scourge of fentanyl and meth addiction on Portland's streets. Experts caution a repeat of the failed War on Drugs.

News Aug 30 10:00 AM

2024 Election: Portland City Council Candidates Already Scrambling For Public Campaign Dollars

With new City Council districts confirmed, campaigns are already underway for 12 council seats.

News Jul 10 9:42 AM

In His Mayoral Run, Mingus Mapps Wants to Lead "Portland 2.0"

After perceived policy missteps and previous opposition to new government structure coming in 2025, Mapps now wants to lead the "new Portland."

Politics Jun 19 11:22 AM

Portland’s Charter Reform is Moving Full Steam Ahead

Elected leaders would make at least $140K under new salary proposals, while draft voting district maps draw concern over geographic splits.

News May 24 7:45 AM

"PBOT Is on Life Support": Inside Portland’s Transportation Budget Crisis

An 11th-hour city budget amendment proposed by Mayor Ted Wheeler has revealed the depths of the transportation bureau’s woes.