Multiple Local Commission Races Head to Runoff
Several races in Multnomah County and other regions are heading into runoff elections following closely contested primary votes. Gresham city councilor Vince Jones-Dixon and IT consultant Brian Knotts will compete in a runoff for the east Multnomah County board of commissioners seat. Jones-Dixon, who became the first Black man on the Gresham City Council in 2020, has led initiatives like the Gresham Youth Services program. Knotts has plans to audit the county’s nonprofit services, improve emergency response times, and increase the road maintenance budget.
In another closely watched race, Shannon Singleton, a housing and racial justice advocate, is expected to go into a runoff against either former Portland Mayor Sam Adams or Jessie Burke for the Multnomah County Commission District 2 seat. This district covers North and Northeast Portland and has seen a contest between progressive and business-friendly candidates. Singleton and Burke both argue their backgrounds would help reform the county’s spending and accountability practices.
Vadim Mozyrsky and Meghan Moyer are set for a runoff in the race to replace Commissioner Sharon Meieran on the Multnomah County Commission. With Mozyrsky receiving 43% and Moyer 42% of the votes, the race is pivotal as the county deals with increasing fentanyl overdoses and mental health resource shortages. Moyer, despite limited campaign funds, garnered significant support from former and current Democratic officials.
In Georgia, the Hall County Commission Chair race will go to a runoff between incumbent Richard Higgins and David Gibbs. Additionally, Brian Jack and Mike Dugan are vying for Georgia's only open congressional seat, replacing U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson. This election is set against a backdrop of recent leadership upheaval in the House and will be closely watched as all 14 of Georgia's congressional districts prepare for the upcoming presidential election.
