Multnomah County, Oregon is a diverse and politically active county located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. With a population of over 800,000, it is the most populous county in Oregon and home to the state's largest city, Portland. As with any county, Multnomah has its own unique political landscape that sets it apart from other counties in the state. In this article, we will explore how Multnomah County compares to other counties in Oregon in terms of its political climate and news.
The History of Multnomah County Politics
In order to understand the current political landscape of Multnomah County, it is important to look at its history.The county was established in 1854 and has a long history of progressive politics. In fact, Multnomah County was one of the first counties in Oregon to elect a woman to public office in 1914. Over the years, the county has been known for its liberal and left-leaning views. One of the defining moments in Multnomah County's political history was the election of Tom McCall as governor of Oregon in 1966. McCall was a former journalist who ran on a platform of environmentalism and conservation. He was known for his strong stance against pollution and his efforts to protect Oregon's natural resources. McCall's influence on Multnomah County politics can still be seen today, as environmental issues continue to be a top priority for many residents.
The Current Political Climate
Today, Multnomah County remains a stronghold for progressive politics.In the 2020 presidential election, over 80% of voters in the county cast their ballots for Joe Biden. This is not surprising, as the county has a large population of young, educated, and diverse residents who tend to lean towards the Democratic party. One of the key issues that has dominated Multnomah County politics in recent years is affordable housing. With the rise of gentrification and skyrocketing housing prices in Portland, many residents have been priced out of their own neighborhoods. This has led to a push for more affordable housing options and rent control measures.
In 2019, Multnomah County voters approved a $652.8 million bond measure to fund affordable housing projects, showing the county's commitment to addressing this issue. Another hot topic in Multnomah County politics is immigration. The county has a large immigrant population, with over 13% of residents being foreign-born. In response to the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, Multnomah County declared itself a "sanctuary county" in 2017. This means that local law enforcement will not cooperate with federal immigration authorities unless required by law. This stance has been met with both support and criticism from residents.
Comparison to Other Counties
While Multnomah County may be known for its progressive politics, it is not the only county in Oregon with a left-leaning population.Neighboring counties such as Washington and Clackamas also tend to vote Democratic in elections. However, Multnomah County stands out for its high voter turnout and strong support for progressive candidates and policies. On the other hand, there are several counties in Oregon that have a more conservative political climate. For example, Harney County in eastern Oregon is known for its conservative values and support for Republican candidates. In the 2020 presidential election, over 70% of voters in Harney County cast their ballots for Donald Trump.One factor that sets Multnomah County apart from other counties in Oregon is its urban setting.
With the city of Portland at its center, the county has a more diverse and liberal population compared to more rural counties. This can be seen in the county's support for issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection.
Impact on State Politics
As the most populous county in Oregon, Multnomah County has a significant impact on state politics. It is home to many influential politicians, including current Governor Kate Brown and former Governor John Kitzhaber. In addition, Multnomah County's large population means that it holds a lot of weight in statewide elections. However, Multnomah County's political landscape is not without its challenges.The county is often criticized for being out of touch with the rest of the state and for not representing the views of more conservative counties. This can lead to tension and division between urban and rural areas in Oregon.
