TL/DR –
Three progressive Democrats are leading the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District. The candidates include Eddy Morales, a city councilor and former DC-based organizer focusing on affordable housing and immigration reform; Susheela Jayapal, a former county commissioner and corporate lawyer seeking federal investment for housing and climate change; and State Rep. Maxine Dexter, a doctor advocating for health care reforms and investment in housing and clean energy. The winner of the Democratic primary, scheduled for May 21, is expected to win the November election given the high number of registered Democrats in the district.
Portland Democrats Battle for U.S. Representative Position
Three progressive Democrats from the Portland area are leading the race to replace U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Although they share similar policy positions, each candidate believes their unique experience and leadership style make them the best replacement for Blumenauer, who served nearly 30 years in the U.S. House.
The three candidates, Eddy Morales, Susheela Jayapal, and State Rep. Maxine Dexter, all have experience representing parts of Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District. They share support for the Green New Deal, reproductive rights, Medicaid for All, and have found common ground in polite debates.
Each candidate puts emphasis on particular issues. Morales, a Gresham city councilor, focuses on affordable housing and U.S. immigration system overhaul. Jayapal, a former Multnomah County Commissioner, seeks more federal investment for housing, homelessness services, and climate change. Dexter, a medical doctor, is advocating for health care reforms and investment in housing and clean energy.
The Democratic primary on May 21 is crucial due to a 3-to-1 ratio of registered Democrats to Republicans in the district. Following Blumenauer’s retirement announcement last spring, the seat is open for the first time in a generation.
If elected, the three front-runners all plan to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus, chaired by Jayapal’s sister, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington.
Dexter, Jayapal, and Morales each have a unique personal, professional, and electoral track record they believe sets them apart.
Candidate Platforms
Dexter, a working-class family-raised physician and current Oregon House member, is supported by Democratic state lawmakers, the American Medical Association, and gun control advocacy groups. She’s seeking major investments in affordable housing and rental assistance.
Jayapal, born in India, formerly served as a corporate lawyer and on a number of nonprofit boards. She sees herself as a progressive coalition-builder and has been endorsed by environmental groups, Multnomah County Commission Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Morales, with roots in Oregon, could be the state’s first out LGBTQ member of Congress. He has a history of organizing voters and notable endorsements from labor unions, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, and nine state lawmakers.
Campaign Finance
As of March 30, Jayapal had raised the most funds among candidates with $611,000, federal records show. Morales had $494,000, and Dexter had pulled in $338,000. Dexter was also supported by a notable $1.25 million from the 314 Action Fund, a PAC that aims to elect progressives with a science background.
Other Candidates
Other contenders for the Democratic nomination include Michael Jonas, a Portland attorney, who has raised about $16,000. In the Republican primary, attorney Joanna Harbour has raised $6,000 in direct donations.
Any of the three front-runners would enter Congress with far less influence than Blumenauer, however, Jayapal said her close relationship with her sister could benefit constituents.
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