Julia Brim-Edwards Declares Candidacy for Multnomah County Chair

Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards announced her candidacy for county chair, challenging Commissioner Shannon Singleton to succeed Jessica Vega Pederson, who is not seeking reelection. Brim-Edwards, a former Nike executive who won a special election representing Southeast Portland in 2023, has been critical of the county’s handling of homelessness and drug deflection programs, promising “greater urgency and action” to achieve measurable results. She secured endorsements from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and several centrist City Council members, contrasting with Singleton’s more progressive support base.