Susheela Jayapal Resigns as Commissioner, Announces Congressional Run

Susheela Jayapal, the District 2 Commissioner representing North and Northeast Portland, has resigned from the Board of County Commissioners to run for Congress in Oregon's Third Congressional District. Her resignation comes after U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced he would not seek re-election. Jesse Beason, the president and CEO of the Northwest Health Foundation, will serve as interim Commissioner. The Board of Commissioners will declare the seat vacant and set an election to fill the term. Jayapal's service was marked by efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, advocate for equitable healthcare access, and improve housing coordination for the homeless.