When Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer announced his retirement, he was apprehensive stating, “It is a difficult decision especially after the amazing success of the last several years. The stakes are still very high, and Democrats are positioned to reclaim the House of Representatives.”

Blumenauer describes his decision in this way, “it is time to continue my life's mission without the burden of day-to-day politics. I will not seek re-election for any office in 2024. I have dedicated my career to creating livable communities where people are safe, healthy, and economically secure. This mission guided my involvement in Congress on a wide range of issues that have been very rewarding for me and productive for our community.”

There is no lack of interest in running on Blumenauer’s coat tails. Two Democrats have filed their candidacy. Nolan Bylenga wants to reform the criminal justice system, fix the education system, give back to veterans and lower the cost of living. Rachel Lydia Rand, a software engineer and jazz trombonist for the U.S. Navy, has also filed.

Three Democrats have expressed their intent to run. Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal resigned her position to run for Congressional District 3. Jayapal was an advocate on the board to house and shelter thousands of families and individuals, support victims of domestic violence, and recently secured a federal grant to help form a tech partnership to improve housing coordination and move more people experiencing homelessness into long-term housing.

Blumenauer has similar goals that includes, “being a champion of making our community more livable. Portland is broken and I want to help fix it. Most of all it means my being able to spend more time here with my wonderful life partner, Margaret, who shares my zeal and commitment to solving problems here in Oregon. And my children and grandchildren whose future is invested here. But I'm not done with Congress yet.”

Most recently, State Representative Maxine Dexter, a physician, expressed her life-long goal to run for Congress by joining the growing field of Democrats wanting to replace U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer. She said in an interview with the Capital Chronicle she will focus on building trust in D.C. “I believe that attitude of just wanting to get the right policies passed and helping people do that will help me gain influence over time. The fact of the matter is I listen, I lead and I’m effective, and people will give me opportunities over time."

A fifth candidate expressing interest is Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales who has the backing of major national figures. Another name speculated as number six is former Chief of Staff to Governor Kate Brown and former Biden Administration official Nik Blosser.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In the heart of solid blue Portland a storm is brewing with American Israel Public Affairs Committee evaluating congressional races. Willamette Week reported that the Jewish Insider nodded to the possibility of national money coming here. “The Portland contest is among a few House races in the Pacific Northwest that Democratic strategists and Jewish activists in the region expect to draw spending from leading pro-Israel groups, even as they have yet to disclose their plans.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-12-13 12:16:03

Last Update: 2023-12-13 13:45:22