Rene Gonzalez, a first-term Portland commissioner, said he will run for mayor next year, staking his political fortunes on a restive electorate that was drawn to his moderate appeal last year amid a prolonged period of crises that continues to afflict Oregon’s largest city.
Since taking office in January, Gonzalez has remained laser-focused on the public safety and livability issues that fueled his victory over incumbent Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty just 13 months ago. Those priorities continue to inflame detractors who bristle at his business-friendly air and support for cracking down on unsanctioned encampments.