Singleton Defeats Brim-Edwards in Multnomah Chair Race
The county commissioner secured the leadership role with 57.2% of the vote, overcoming a large fundraising gap and losing support from key labor unions.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
Shannon Singleton won the race for Multnomah County chair on Thursday, defeating fellow commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards in a contest that marked the first use of rank choice voting in the county. Singleton, a current commissioner, declared victory after a lead established on election night widened over the following days. Brim-Edwards conceded earlier on Thursday, acknowledging the result while praising her campaign's positive approach.
The final preliminary results showed Singleton with 139,164 votes, or 57.2 percent of the total. Brim-Edwards finished with 103,913 votes, representing 42.75 percent. Former commissioner Sharon Meieran placed a distant third. Although some voters who ranked Meieran first transferred their votes to Brim-Edwards in later rounds, the additional support did not close the gap between the top two candidates.
Singleton faced a major financial disadvantage during the campaign. She raised just over $55,000 by Election Day. In contrast, Brim-Edwards raised $250,000, and Meieran raised $195,000. Despite the money, Singleton secured the support of the county's largest labor union, Local 88, which switched its endorsement from Brim-Edwards to Singleton shortly before the vote.
Brim-Edwards had the backing of all six mayors in Multnomah County and several prominent unions. Her campaign faced challenges in the final months, including a letter from seven current and former School Board members warning she was not suited for leadership. Allegations also surfaced that she made comments about trans athletes in executive sessions, a claim she denied. Basic Rights Oregon and Local 88 rescinded their endorsements of Brim-Edwards ahead of the election.
Singleton will succeed Jessica Vega Pederson, who decided in December not to seek a second term. Vega Pederson's tenure was marked by controversy over homeless services, a drug deflection center, and the implementation of Preschool for All. In an election night speech, Singleton described Local 88's shift as a powerful moment. She said she intended to create a dedicated labor table in her office to repair relationships with union leaders.
Brim-Edwards will remain on the county board for another two years. Singleton chose to run for chair rather than seek reelection to her current commissioner seat. That District 2 commissioner position was won by Bri Williams, a social worker and mental health consultant. Williams defeated Serena Cruz, who recently served as the county's chief operating officer.
