County Commissioner Loretta Smith Will Run for Dan Saltzman’s Portland City Council Seat

Hours after Dan Saltzman announced he'd retire, Smith announced she was entering the race.

By Rachel Monahan
Commissioner Loretta Smith (Multnomah County)

Stories worth knowing. Reporting worth supporting. Willamette Week's biggest fundraiser of the year is underway. Help fund independent reporting that is free for everyone.

Give today. Keep the stories coming.

Support WW.

Hours after City Commissioner Dan Saltzman announced his plans to retire, County Commissioner Loretta Smith announced she's planning to run for his seat.

Smith, who faces term limits for her county seat, can't officially enter the race until January without losing her spot on the county commission.

"The opportunity to continue to fight for the most vulnerable on the Portland City Council would be an honor and a privilege," Smith says in a carefully worded statement.

That will mean two black women will be facing off to replace Saltzman.

Jo Ann Hardesty, a former legislator who runs the NAACP of Portland, is already in the race.

Here is Smith's announcement.

Explore more on:

Loretta SmithPortland City Hall

Rachel Monahan

Rachel Monahan

Rachel Monahan joined Willamette Week in 2016. She covers housing and City Hall.

Willamette Week reports the stories worth knowing, from City Hall to the people and places shaping Portland.

Help keep the stories coming by supporting WW on Give!Guide.

Support WW.