At least 3 school board incumbents lose to well-funded newcomers in Portland suburbs
Updated 10:22 PM;
Today 9:14 PM
Newcomers outspent incumbents heavily in this year s school board elections. In Washington County alone, challengers raised nearly three times as much as sitting board members.Oregonian file photo by Brooke Herbert, 2020
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Incumbents faced challenges from newcomers with expansive war chests in school board races across the metro area Tuesday and partial returns show at least three sitting board members lost to well-funded opponents as of 9 p.m.
Campaign finance records show incumbents in Washington County raised about $54,000, close to one-third the $142,000 their challengers did.
May 18 2021
Gresham School Board candidate Joe Demers allegedly challenged Black man to step on neck during a dispute
A Gresham-Barlow School Board candidate allegedly laid on the ground and challenged a Black man to step on his neck in an apparent push back against police excessive force protests that came to the national forefront after the killing of George Floyd and subsequent guilty verdict for the police officer involved.
According to witnesses, the incident with Joe Demers took place during the Gresham Farmers Market Saturday, May 15, where he had set up to advocate for his candidacy.
Gresham Farmers Market officials said political booths are not allowed within the market, which is held at the Arts Plaza at Northeast Hood Avenue and Second Street in downtown Gresham. The Farmers Market leadership has asked Demers to stop setting up on Saturdays, but he refused. Other political candidates have similarly set up nearby the market.