As Candidates Gather, Special Election Is Set for May to Fill Nick Fish’s Portland City Council Seat

WW reported this morning that four people have confirmed their intention to seek the seat.

Commissioner Loretta Smith speaks after finishing second in the primary vote for Portland City Council in May. (Walker Stockly)
By Aaron Mesh

The election to fill Portland Commissioner Nick Fish's empty City Council seat is officially set for this May, setting up what promises to be a bare-knuckle contest between veteran campaigners.

A grieving City Council this morning scheduled a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Fish's death from stomach cancer on Jan. 2. The election will be part of the May 19 primary—and a runoff, if necessary, will be held Aug. 11.

WW reported this morning that four people have confirmed their intention to seek the seat: Metro Councilor Sam Chase, City Hall staffer Cynthia Castro, activist Julia DeGraw, and tenant organizer Margot Black. Two other political veterans are both considering a run: former Mayor Sam Adams and former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith.

Adams and Smith are famously aggressive campaigners, and Black has quickly gained notice for no-holds-barred tactics on behalf of renters.

Meanwhile, Fish's family has announced a public memorial service. The celebration of life will be held at 3 pm Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at 3 pm in Hoffman Hall on the Portland State University campus.

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