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Keith Wilson transitions from political newcomer to Portland mayor

Two days after the election, Keith Wilson declared victory as Portland’s new mayor. Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez conceded.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland mayor-elect Keith Wilson gave a victory speech Thursday afternoon inside a North Portland community center, where he spent much of his childhood. His speech drew a crowd of about 80 supporters and a handful of elected officials.

He acknowledged his position as a political newcomer while touching on his plan for Portland’s most urgent issues, like homelessness and public safety.

“What does real change for Portland mean? In my administration, it will mean treating the crisis on our streets like a crisis. It will mean returning our city to the promise of 'the city that works,'” Wilson said. 

In second place for the race for mayor was current city commissioner Carmen Rubio. She conceded Wednesday night, saying in part, “I’m glad that we have someone who clearly believes in Portland… My hope for him is that he enters city hall with a desire to listen and learn from those who have been working hard to get Portland back on its feet.”

Mayoral candidate and current city commissioner Rene Gonzalez known for his more controversial homelessness policies released his concession statement, saying, in part, “Though this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, I’m immensely proud of the movement we’ve built together. We’ve brought real issues to the forefront — public safety, livability, housing, and accountability.”

“Voters aren’t interested in politicians pointing fingers; they just want us to get things done,” Wilson said Thursday.

Supporting Wilson on Thursday were dozens of longtime Portlanders:

“He has a management background; he has a heart for people,” said Wynne Wakkila.

“I’m very optimistic,” added Hjalmer Lofstrom, a Northeast Portland resident.  

“If anybody can fix Portland, Keith can,” said Jack Keesey.

Also, at the speech, there were a handful of elected officials, including Dan Ryan, current city commissioner, who’s poised to win a seat on the new city council representing District 2.

“The voters picked him, so it’s like, you got to get behind your leader. This is local politics; this isn’t partisan fighting. This should be a city that’s focused on infrastructure, focused on public safety and focused on economic development,” Ryan said.

Wilson said he has already reached out to Gov. Tina Kotek and Mayor Ted Wheeler and asked them for guidance during this transition. He said they've committed to him the full weight of their offices, adding that he's also spoken with the county chair Jessica Vega Pederson, a relationship he says will be “critical.”

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