AFSCME unions issue endorsements and rescissions in local elections

AFSCME Local 1849, representing approximately 55% of San Juan County workers, has endorsed Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council and Heather Lee for County Auditor. The union cited the candidates' commitments to transparent leadership and public service during a candidate forum held in early October.

In a separate development, AFSCME Local 88, which represents over 4,000 employees in Multnomah County, voted overwhelmingly to rescind its previous endorsement of chair candidate Julia Brim-Edwards. The decision, reached during a meeting on October 21, followed concerns regarding the initial endorsement process and recent reports concerning Brim-Edwards' leadership. Following the rescission, Local 88 voted to endorse Shannon Singleton for the position. Brim-Edwards has characterized the move as a political attack from opponents.