Past Portland Mayoral Candidates Set Campaign Spending Limits Far Lower Than Ted Wheeler’s

Last week, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced campaign contribution limits in his bid for re-election.

His announcement disappointed reformers, who hoped the incumbent would honor the $500 limit on individual contributions voters approved for city races in 2018. (That measure is tied up in court.)

Instead, Wheeler said he'd cap contributions at $5,000 from individuals and $10,000 from organizations—limits far higher than previous mayoral candidates have set. His leading opponent, Sarah Iannarone, will cap contributions at $500 ($250 in the primary and $250 in the general election).

A recent history shows Portlanders have favored candidates who set lower caps—with Wheeler a prominent exception.

2004: Tom Potter limited contributions to $25 in the primary and $100 in the general election. He defeated Jim Francesconi, who imposed no limits.

2008: Sam Adams won while limiting individual contributions to $500. His opponent, Sho Dozono, capped contributions at $1,000.

2012: Charlie Hales limited contributions to $600. Hales defeated Jefferson Smith, who capped contributions at $1,000.

2016: Jules Bailey limited contributions to $250. Wheeler, who did not cap contributions, won.