Keith Wilson Elected Portland Mayor in Historic Race

Keith Wilson, a trucking company CEO and political outsider, has been elected as Portland's new mayor in a historic race using ranked-choice voting. His campaign focused on addressing homelessness, crime, and livability issues, pledging to end unsheltered homelessness within a year. Wilson led with 63% against his closest rival, Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who garnered 37% of the vote after 19 rounds of candidate elimination. The election saw 19 candidates vying for the position, with Wilson's message resonating strongly amidst growing public frustration over homelessness and public safety. He will succeed Mayor Ted Wheeler, who chose not to seek reelection after a tumultuous eight-year tenure. Under the new city government structure, the mayor will not set policy but will work with an expanded 12-member City Council.