In a May 16 special election, businesswoman and community leader, Julia Brim-Edwards, was elected Multnomah County Commissioner. As County Commissioner, Brim-Edwards is in the position to vote on major policies for the county, amend the budget, and affect local departments. According to early tallies, she won the election by roughly 60% against competing candidates, Ana del Rocío and Albert Kaufman. Brim-Edwards was an executive for Nike, and later a board member of Portland Public Schools (PPS), most recently however, she ran her own small business. 

The special election was organized after Jessica Vega Peterson vacated her position after six years as Commissioner of District 3—she now serves as county chair. District 3 broadly covers Southeast Portland, south of the I-84 freeway and roughly east of Cesar Chavez Blvd. Three major candidates ran to replace Peterson, all emphasizing housing reform, reducing homelessness, mental health, and safety in their proposals. 

The District 3 Commissioner election coincided with other local elections for offices within Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College. Elections were also held for the Water and Fire Districts, and the Multnomah County Education Service District, which creates regional programs for schools across the area.

Brim-Edwards’ biggest challenge came from Rocio, who previously worked as policy advisor to the Multnomah County Commission and was a member of the David Douglas school board. Rocio, a Harvard graduate and small business owner, earned the support of numerous labor unions. Rocio’s action plan emphasized a more regional approach to the housing issues. Rocio opposed more strict responses to the homelessness problem, such as the mayor’s proposition for consolidating homeless camps.

Albert Kuafman, a marketing agency president, was another candidate competing in the race. His proposals included repurposing the Walmarts that are closing in the area to larger homeless shelters, and implementing a gun buyback program.

Brim-Edwards was arguably the most moderate candidate in the race, winning the endorsements of two former governors, state senators, and commissioners. Brim-Edwards favors financially supporting law enforcement and further funding the justice system. She seeks to implement more behavioral health services, and supports Mayor Ted Wheeler’s plan to consolidate homeless camps in the city.

Brim-Edwards’ win was confirmed by Multnomah County on May 17, 2023, she is expected to assume office shortly and maintain her position as PPS board member. In office, she hopes to see an end to street camping. Under her leadership, Portland may see more shelter options with mental health and drug treatment services.