At a District 3 candidate forum last week, many council candidates shared their picks for mayor with the audience. This November, Portlanders will have the option to rank up to six candidates for all city offices, as a result of the city’s transition to a new voting method: ranked choice voting.
Trucking executive Keith Wilson emerged as the top choice for mayor, with six candidates—Dan Gilk, Kelly Janes, Phillippe Knab, Ahlam Osman, Heart Free Pham, and Jon Walker—saying they would rank him first. City Commissioner Carmen Rubio was the first choice for Jesse Cornett, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Luke Zak. Rene Gonzalez received support from Sandeep Bali and Daniel De Melo, while Mingus Mapps was backed by Brian Conley.
Some participants in the forum, which focused on progressive issues, were candid about their opposition to City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez. Angelita Morillo and Jesse Cornett urged voters not to rank him at all, with Chris Flanary adding some biting humor to the discussion, noting they would rather vote for a “half-eaten sandwich” than for Gonzalez.
Candidates were also asked whom among their fellow council contenders they would rank highly. Jesse Cornett, Angelita Morillo, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Steve Novick received the most support from other candidates.
Koyama Lane and Morillo, known for canvassing together, highlighted their alliance on stage. “I feel a kinship with you as another woman of color and […] the values that you carry,” Morillo told Koyama Lane during the discussion.
Morillo also expressed excitement about “bantering” with Steve Novick, who indicated the feeling was mutual. The former city commissioner also said he would rank Jesse Cornett highly. Cornett returned the support, adding that he would also give Luke Zak a high ranking.
