Our Bureau
Multnomah, Oregon
Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal has resigned from the Board of County Commissioners. She became the first Indian American elected to a commissioner’s seat in Oregon. Jayapal said she plans to run for Congress in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, currently occupied by Rep. Earl Blumenaeur. Blumenaeur announced that he would not be running for re-elections in 2024.
Jayapal thanked Blumenauer for his leadership in representing Oregon over the past few decades. She pointed to his advocacy for the environment, democracy and equal opportunity for all Americans. “I’m ready to continue that work, as someone with a proven record of accomplishments, passion for service, and the ability to get things done,” she said. “And I’ll do it in partnership with our community. I’ll bring my experience as an immigrant, a person of color, a woman, a mom — experience of what it’s like to navigate systems that weren’t created for everyone, and in fact often were created to exclude so many.” Jayapal said she’s running for Congress because she believes it needs an “unwavering progressive” voice.
“We’re at a pivotal point in our country and in our district,” she continued. “With the Republican majority beholden to extremist ideologues attacking our democracy and our rights in ways we’ve never seen before, it’s more important than ever that we have an unwavering progressive voice in Congress to stand up for our values and bring us together to create the thriving, equitable community we need.”
Jesse Beason will serve as interim commissioner, replacing Jayapal in District 2. Beason, who was approved by Jayapal and the board of commissioners, is the president and CEO of Northwest Health Foundation. Jayapal’s District 2 staff will continue to serve under Beason.
At the next board meeting, commissioners will set an election to fill the duration of Jayapal’s term, which is scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2026.
