Sinclair leads Callaway by 2.2 points in tight runoff
With 50.7% of the vote reported, the Hillsboro councilor holds a slim advantage over the former mayor in the race for a Washington County commission seat.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
Kipperlyn Sinclair led Steve Callaway by 2.2 percentage points in the Washington County District 4 runoff as of 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. Sinclair received 50.7% of the reported votes, while Callaway captured 48.5%.
The two candidates advanced to this November contest after neither secured a majority in the May 19 primary election. At 8 p.m. on election night, the margin between the two was only 38 votes. Callaway acknowledged the tightness of the race, stating, "I knew all along that it would be a close race." He added that he was still waiting for additional results to be tallied.
Sinclair, a Hillsboro City Councilor, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. She noted that the narrow margin demonstrated that her message had resonated with voters. "I’m thrilled that the people’s voice has been heard loud and clear with the election of the Hillsboro ‘Seeds of Change’ slate," she said.
The district includes most of Hillsboro, North Plains, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Banks, and Gaston, along with the communities of Gales Creek, Manning, and Timber. Commissioner Jerry Willey is leaving the seat after announcing his retirement plans in 2025. Sinclair will step down from her city council role when her term expires in January, having chosen not to seek reelection in 2026.
Current ballot returns indicate a voter turnout of approximately 57.1%. Oregon law permits ballots postmarked on Election Day to be counted if they are received within the following week. Final results are scheduled to be certified by Monday, Nov. 30.
