Elect Lykins, Freeman, Green, and Silkie for Portland City Council District 4

Chad is an earnest and community-minded candidate whose lived experience with food insecurity gives him a critical perspective needed on the City Council as income inequality grows across Portland. His parents were teenagers when he was born and worked their way through school as they raised him. His mother suffered from untreated substance abuse and mental health disorders that left deep financial and emotional scars on the family. 

He is a researcher, educator, small business owner, and nonprofit leader. He founded Rose City Chess, an organization that provides after-school chess clubs and summer camps throughout Oregon. He has a PhD in leadership and policy studies. 

The Portland for All endorsement committee was impressed by the depth and nuance of his thoughtful responses regarding addiction and the need to expand access to recovery services, detox beds, and medically assisted treatment for addiction. Chad has brought his commitment to youth into his campaign, creating opportunities for PSU students to get involved. He has the kind of collaboration and leadership we need on Council. 

Key endorsers include: Portland Mercury, Portland Association of Teachers, PROTEC17, IBEW Local 48, Moms Demand Action City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, Rep. Dacia Grayber, and Milwaukie City Councilor Will Anderson.

Mitch is an economist focusing on the electric power grid. He is deeply committed to workers and ensuring that all Portlanders have the opportunity to thrive in our city. He was raised in Portland, a union member who grew up in a union family, and an Army veteran who has brought the city’s values around the globe. 

He has a PhD in economics and has taught at Portland State University and Portland Community College. 

The Portland for All endorsement committee appreciated his strong support for the Portland Clean Energy Fund and Portland Street Response and his deep transportation safety and transit platform. His personal and professional background and commitment to collaboration by navigating factions on complex issues will be a welcome addition to City Hall.

Key endorsers include: Portland Mercury, Portland Association of Teachers, AFSCME, Oregon Working Families Party, Lead Locally, Ironworkers Local 29, Democratic Socialists of America (Portland), UFCW 555, UA Local 290, Oregon Commissioner of Labor and Industries Christina Stephenson, and Rep. Mark Gamba.

Lisa Freeman has devoted more than two decades to public service, and most recently worked as an innovation manager with the City’s Community Safety Division, championing gun violence reduction initiatives and Rose City Self-Defense. She has a master's degree in international peace and conflict resolution and has experience supporting peaceful government transitions in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Bosnia, and Malaysia. 

The endorsement committee appreciated her commitment to a stable transition and, most importantly, her ideas for community-based programs to address the root causes of community safety issues. Her experience navigating complex high-pressure situations, coupled with her time as a manager at the City, will bring much-needed expertise to the Council.

Key endorsers include: Protec17, Rep Thuy Tran, Mt. Hood Community College Board Member Dana Stroud.

Sarah is an engineer with the Portland Water Bureau and a union steward for PROTEC17. She’s taught sustainable engineering at Mount Hood Community College and as a longtime employee, brings a wonky focus to the City's workings. She grew up in Portland in a family that faced poverty and housing insecurity, so she will bring important lived experience to the Council.

The Portland for All’s endorsement committee appreciates her focus on supporting workers and committing to a just transition from fossil fuels. Her understanding of how some of the City’s more technical aspects work will be helpful to the Council.

Key endorsers include: Portland Mercury, Portland Association of Teachers, AFSCME, PROTEC17, LiUNA Local 483, Moms Demand Action, Rep. Mark Gamba, and Portland Public Schools Board Member Patte Sullivan.