Multnomah County, OR — Candidate Julia Brim-Edwards received more than 50% of the vote in the May 16, 2023, primary and will fill the remainder of the District 3 seat on the Board of County Commissioners through 2024.
Diane Rosenbaum has been serving as the interim commissioner since January 2023. She was sworn in after then-District 3 Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson was elected Multnomah County Chair in 2022 and took office in January, vacating the seat.
Brim-Edwards will be sworn in as the new commissioner representing southeast Multnomah County as soon as the election results are certified, no later than June 12, 2023. She received more than 50% of the vote in a three-way race against candidates Ana del Rocío and Albert Kaufman.
“I send my congratulations to Commissioner-elect Julia Brim-Edwards. My team and I are ready to assist you as you transition into office,’’ Rosenbaum said.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of District 3 alongside County Commissioners, staff, and partners to help strengthen our communities. As I’ve immersed myself in the County’s work and current budget process, I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for each person who carries out our mission to support people leading healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives.”
Rosenbaum came to the County after serving 18 years in the Oregon Legislature — 10 years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate. Among other positions, she served as Senate Majority Leader, House Speaker Pro Tempore, Democratic Whip and chaired multiple committees. In the Senate, she served as Chair of the Rules and Executive Appointments Committee for six years, presiding over hundreds of confirmation hearings for the Governor’s appointments of agency heads, board and commissions.
On the Board she worked to address systemic issues at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter, engaged with District 3 neighbors regarding issues including eviction, healthy food access, and shelter sitings, and prioritized economic justice policies that benefit the well-being of children and families.
“To the people of Multnomah County, particularly in East Portland: I have enjoyed hearing your hopes and aspirations for this community, and this office has benefited from the energy of such passionate, engaged constituents,” she said. “I also hear your concerns about the seemingly intractable issues of our time, including housing and homelessness, behavioral health, public safety, and economic instability. I will continue to take your input into consideration during this budget process, as the Board of Commissioners considers how to allocate resources so that each of our community members has opportunities to thrive.”
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