Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton has announced that she is running for Multnomah County Chair.
Singleton currently represents District 2, which includes North and Northeast Portland. There will be no May primary election for hr chairs race because all elected county positions are now being decided by rank-choice voting at the November general election.
N/NE Portland.
“I want to serve where I can make the most change. And right now, that’s bringing my extensive executive experience to the Multnomah County Chair’s Office to ensure better service delivery in housing, addiction and behavioral health and public safety,” Singleton said in her Feb. 4 statement.
Singleton is running to replace Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who decided to not seek reelection. No other candidate has yet announced or filed for the office, although former District 1 Commissioner Sharon Meieran is believed to be considering it.
Singleton was first elected to the county commission defeating former Portland Mayor Sam Adams in November 2024.
In her announcement, Singleton mentioned her work in St. Johns as one of the reasons she should be elected county chair.
“In my first week as Commissioner, I learned that kids in St Johns couldn’t do their homework because the library closed for construction, so I started making calls and pushing. A month later, county library management moved and started mobile library services while working to open a temporary location with computers, printers and books. I’m practical, but I’m not patient. And when something’s not working, I bring people together to fix it,” Singleton said.
In the announcement, Singleton said she will focus on the challenges that Multnomah County faces, and her hope for the future.
“Families all across Multnomah County are struggling with the high cost of housing and financial instability. Too many of our neighbors are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless or unable to access the addiction and mental health care they need. I’m running for Chair to bring my experienced leadership, drive and clear vision to ensure that every family has the opportunity and tools to build a good life,” Singleton said.
The announcement listed following accomplishments:
● Increased transparency and accountability by coauthoring the County’s first disclosure requirements for lobbyists.
● Pushed for more effective use of tax payers dollars by introducing reforms to the Multnomah County Deflection Center that would save money, connect addiction, housing and behavioral health services and drive outcomes.
● Realigned county funds to invest in core services that end homelessness like shelter, outreach and housing.
● Increased efficiency and improved oversight of Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department focused on cutting duplication of services and improving outcomes.
● Fought for better community and neighborhood engagement before homeless shelters open and libraries close for construction.
● Demanded accountability for Preschool For All and continued to drive continuous improvement to deliver preschool for thousands of children countywide.
● Increased services in East Multnomah county, including voter outreach and education, housing inspections and public health.
● Strengthened protections and funded safety net supports and protections in response to changes in immigration policies and increased ICE overreach and violence in our community.
The announcement also featured a long list of early endorsements, including four of the six self-declared progressive members of the Portland City Council.
The North Peninsula Review will continue reporting on this and other elections in North and Northeast Portland in 2026