District 2 Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, who has represented the people in North and Northeast Portland since 2019, resigned from the Board of County Commissioners, effective this morning.

Commissioner Jayapal announced her intention to run for Congress in Oregon's Third Congressional District, following the announcement by U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer on October 30 that he would not seek re-election next year.

Jesse Beason, the president and chief executive officer of the Northwest Health Foundation, has been appointed as the interim Commissioner for District 2 by the Board-approved alternate. Beason will immediately step into the role.

The vacancy of the District 2 seat will be officially declared at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, following County rules, and an election will be set to fill the term ending on December 31, 2026.

Commissioner Jayapal expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, stating, "It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve these past five years. We have worked together through a series of unprecedented crises with a shared mission of moving Multnomah County in a more resilient and equitable direction."

Chair Jessica Vega Pederson thanked Commissioner Jayapal for her five years of service and emphasized the importance of having representatives at the local level who understand the homelessness, drug, and mental health crises faced by the community.

Commissioner Jayapal's service was marked by the County's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her advocacy efforts included ensuring equitable access to healthcare, housing and shelter for families and individuals, increased wages for frontline contracted workers, support for domestic violence victims, policy changes to improve air quality, and enhanced County services for immigrant and refugee communities. She also played a key role in addressing risks associated with North Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure tank farms in the event of a Cascadia earthquake.

With Commissioner Jayapal's resignation, interim Commissioner Beason expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue the important work of representing North and Northeast Portland. He pledged to uphold the County's commitment to the well-being of the community.

Beason, who has been with the Northwest Health Foundation since 2013 and served as President since 2019, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role. He has previously held positions as the Executive Director at Proud Ground, Senior Policy Director at the City of Portland, and in public affairs at Metro.

Commissioner Jayapal expressed confidence in Beason's capabilities, stating, "Jesse has a long track record of strong, community- and equity-driven leadership, and I know he will build on that record at the County. I couldn't be leaving this seat and my constituents in more capable hands."

The current District 2 staff will continue to serve under interim Commissioner Beason, ensuring uninterrupted continuity in their important work.

In conclusion, Commissioner Susheela Jayapal's resignation from the Board of County Commissioners marks the beginning of her campaign for Congress in Oregon's Third Congressional District. Interim Commissioner Jesse Beason will now step into the role with a focus on representing the people of District 2 and continuing the County's vital work for the community.