May 2026 Primary Election Results
East County Rising Endorsed Candidates: Wins, Lessons, and What’s Next
This May, voters across our region made their voices heard — and we are proud to celebrate the many East County Rising-endorsed candidates who advanced, won, and continue building a future rooted in equity, accountability, and community leadership.
These victories belong not just to candidates, but to volunteers, organizers, neighbors, and everyday people who knocked doors, made calls, talked with family and friends, and believed that local leadership matters.
Celebrating Key Victories
U.S. Representative, District 3
Maxine Dexter — WON
We are excited to congratulate Maxine Dexter on a strong primary victory. Her campaign brought together a broad coalition committed to protecting healthcare, democracy, and working families across Oregon.
Dexter now advances to the November General Election, where she will face Republican Loran Ayles.
Metro President
Juan Carlos Gonzalez — WON
A huge congratulations to Juan Carlos Gonzalez, who secured more than 50% of the vote outright and avoided a runoff election.
This victory reflects years of relationship-building, community advocacy, and a vision for a Metro government that works for all of us. Gonzalez will serve as Metro Council President beginning in 2027.
Metro Council District 1
Ashton Simpson — WON
Congratulations to Ashton Simpson on re-election to Metro Council District 1.
This race showed the power of values-driven leadership and continued investment in East County communities.
Judge of the Circuit Court, District 4, Position 12
Peter Klym — WON
We are proud to celebrate Peter Klym on his successful election to the Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Judicial races matter deeply, and this victory represents a continued commitment to fairness, integrity, and community trust within our legal system
Looking Ahead to November
Several endorsed candidates advanced uncontested through the primary and now move toward the General Election this fall:
- Kayse Jama — Senate District 24
- Thuy Tran — House District 45
- Willy Chotzen — House District 46
- Andrea Valderrama — House District 47
- Lamar Wise — House District 48
- Zach Hudson — House District 49
- Ricki Ruiz — House District 50
Many of these races will appear on the November ballot, and East County Rising is already preparing for the organizing, voter outreach, and community conversations ahead.
Reflecting on Defeats with Purpose
Not every endorsed candidate advanced this cycle.
In House District 52, both David Osborn and Nick Walden Poublon were unsuccessful in the Democratic primary.
Campaigns are never only about election night results. They are also about building community voice, raising important issues, developing future leaders, and strengthening long-term movements for change. Every conversation at the door, every volunteer shift, and every voter reached helps shape the political future of our region.
We are grateful to David and Nick for stepping up to serve, for running values-centered campaigns, and for contributing to a stronger civic culture in Oregon.
As an organization, we also believe defeats are opportunities to listen, learn, and grow. We remain committed to organizing year-round, deepening relationships with voters, and continuing to build power in East County communities that have too often been overlooked.
What Comes Next
The May Primary was one important milestone — not the finish line.
Now, our focus turns toward November. That means:
- Expanding voter outreach and education
- Supporting endorsed candidates in competitive races
- Engaging young and first-time voters
- Continuing multilingual and culturally responsive organizing
- Building long-term community power beyond election cycles
Thank you to every supporter, volunteer, partner, and voter who made this election season possible. Together, we continue building an East County where everyone belongs, participates, and has a voice in shaping our future.
Upcoming Events:
Volunteer Opportunity – Healthcare for All Oregon Drummer
Want universal healthcare? Healthcare for All Oregon is gearing up to get legislators on board with the proposed plan from the Universal Health Plan Governance Board. The 2027 legislative session will be an opportunity for our state senators and representatives to tailor the plan and either pass it as a bill or refer it to voters for the 2028 November election.
Sign up to be a constituent contact for your state senator and house representative and urge them to get involved in supporting the health plan from creation to implementation–sign up here!
Kayse Jama Campaign Kick-off/Community Conversation
Join Senator Jama (SD24) at IRCO for a fundraiser kick-off on May 29th at IRCO at 6:30pm. This will also be a chance to share hopes, concerns, and opinions on policy with Senator Jama.
When: May 29th, 6:30pm
Where: IRCO Sokhum Touch Community Center
10301 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220
RSVP here
HD46 Town Hall with Rep Willy Chotzen
Saturday, May 30th at 10:30am
Holgate Library
SAVE THE DATE
ECR Anniversary Party!
Friday, July 31, 2026
More details to come!