Former Oregon representative endorses Rene Gonzalez for Portland mayor

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Amid the countdown to Election Day, former Oregon Congressman Kurt Schrader announced his endorsement of Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez for mayor.

“Rene has the values, vision and heart to help Oregon’s largest city reach its fullest potential,” Schrader said Tuesday. “At this critical moment, we need Democrats like Rene at the helm more than ever. He’ll protect and leverage what makes Portland special as he leads the city through its next chapter.”

This marks the latest endorsement from Schrader -- a seven-term Democrat who represented Oregon's 5th congressional district from 2009 to 2023. During Oregon's 2022 gubernatorial race, Schrader endorsed unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson.

“I’m so thankful to Congressman Schrader for his endorsement and for recognizing Portland needs a change in direction,” Gonzalez said. “He understands how important Portland’s image is on the national stage. Improving the city’s reputation by cleaning up the streets and establishing accountability is one of my top priorities.”

Gonzalez’s campaign noted the endorsement follows several others he's received in August, including support from the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 48), the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 701) and the Multnomah County Deputy Sheriffs Association.

The slate of endorsements come after a poll commissioned by Gonzalez's campaign the week of Aug. 19 found Gonzalez was leading with 21% of the first-choice vote along with a swath of undecided voters.