Harrison Kass, a policy advisor to Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, has announced his candidacy for Portland City Council in District 3.
Kass, a lawyer, also served on Mayor Ted Wheeler’s community safety team and appears to share Gonzalez’s focus on public safety. On his campaign website, he highlights his work related to body-worn cameras, gun violence reduction, and police recruitment as key areas of expertise. Kass’s background also includes serving as a clerk for Youth, Rights & Justice, a nonprofit law firm for children and families, as well as for the Oregon Federal Defenders.
Originally from the East Coast, Kass faced a period of homelessness in his youth, an experience he shares with fellow District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo. However, for District 3 voters, Kass’s candidacy—if aligned with Gonzalez’s commitment to stricter enforcement—could present a platform that contrasts with Morillo’s. Morillo has testified in support of Measure 110 and opposes Portland’s public camping ban, arguing that it criminalizes homelessness.
