Over the next few weeks, East County will once again make history as community leaders and local Democrats come together to appoint a new State Representative for House District 48 — following the tragic passing of Representative Hòa Nguyễn. Hòa was a beloved member of our community and a steadfast champion for working families, students, and neighbors across East Portland, Happy Valley, and North Clackamas.
In this moment of transition, East County Rising (ECR) convened a rapid but thorough community process to help identify the best candidates to carry forward Hòa’s legacy of principled, people-centered leadership. Our endorsement committee — made up of more than a dozen ECR board members and community stakeholders — met with all applicants, asked tough questions, and reflected deeply on the needs of our district.
After careful consideration, East County Rising is proud to endorse José Gamero-Georgeson and Lamar Wise for the House District 48 appointment.
Democratic Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) from Multnomah and Clackamas Counties will meet this week to nominate up to three candidates to the County Commissions, who will then make the final appointment to fill the seat through 2026.
José Gamero-Georgeson: Grounded in Community, Proven in Leadership
ECR is proud to again endorse José Gamero-Georgeson, who has already demonstrated his deep roots and strong record of service in East County. We previously endorsed José in his successful campaign for the David Douglas School Board, where he continues to serve as a voice for equity, educational quality, and community accountability.
As President-Elect of the Oregon School Boards Association, José brings both local experience and statewide perspective. His priorities reflect the heart of our community:
- Revenue reform to ensure Oregon’s budget reflects our shared values, not corporate giveaways.
- Quality education for all, including fully funding special education and supporting fair contracts for educators.
- Safe, affordable housing as a fundamental right, paired with smart policy tools to spur construction and prevent displacement.
- Climate action and environmental justice, ensuring that those most affected by climate change shape the solutions.
- A healthy democracy, with strong privacy protections, reproductive freedom, and sanctuary for all our neighbors.
José’s leadership has always been grounded in listening — to families, students, and workers — and in bringing people together to solve problems. We believe he would represent House District 48 with integrity, courage, and a deep understanding of the challenges and hopes that define our region.
Lamar Wise: A Champion for Working Families
ECR is also proud to support Lamar Wise, a seasoned advocate and organizer who has spent years fighting for economic and social justice. As a labor advocate, former executive director of the Oregon Student Association, and board member for community-based organizations, Lamar has dedicated his career to expanding access to education, affordable housing, and fair pay.
His platform centers on strengthening Oregon’s working-class communities through investments in local economies, protecting labor rights, improving behavioral health care, and cutting red tape to accelerate housing production. Lamar would bring valuable experience and energy to the legislature, continuing the tradition of strong East County representation.
Moving Forward Together
The appointment to fill House District 48 comes at a pivotal time for our community and our state. From housing affordability to climate resilience, public safety to education funding, the decisions made in Salem have a direct impact on East County families.
East County Rising is committed to ensuring that the voices of our diverse, working-class communities are represented by leaders who share our values and vision for justice, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
We thank all the candidates who stepped forward to serve — and encourage Democratic PCPs and county leaders to select a representative ready to build on Hòa Nguyễn’s legacy and fight for a brighter, fairer East County.
🗳️ Learn more:
- José Gamero-Georgeson → josefororegon.com
- Lamar Wise → lamarwise.com
💛 East County Rising PAC
Building grassroots power for a thriving, inclusive East Multnomah County.
linktr.ee/eastcountyrising