Washington County Faces Crucial Leadership Contest
The upcoming election for Washington County Commission Chair is stirring considerable attention as two well-known officials, Commissioner Nafisa Faye and Commissioner Pam Treece, battle for the position. Their campaigns arrive at a time when the county is a focal point for tensions surrounding immigration and land-use policies in Silicon Forest.
Joining the fray is Jenny Campras, a political newcomer who is positioning himself as an alternative to the incumbent politicians. This election—set for May 19—could lead to a runoff in November if no candidate secures a majority of the votes.
Nafisa Faye has drawn attention as a historic figure, being the first Black and Muslim member of the Washington County Commission, first elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024. Pam Treece, who aims to take over the chair position, has been on the commission since her election in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.
Should Faye win the chair position, he will have to resign his District 1 Commissioner role, creating a subsequent vacancy. In contrast, Treece’s term for District 2 is due to expire at the end of the year, leaving her choices contingent on the election outcome.
Both candidates are receiving notable endorsements. Faye is backed by the Washington County Democratic Party, several local unions, and former Governor John Kitzhaber. Conversely, Treece enjoys support from the Washington County Police Officers Association, local chambers of commerce, and fellow commissioners Jason Snyder and Jerry Wiley.
While the chair position is officially nonpartisan, the political affiliations of both Faye and Treece are clear—both are Democrats, with Faye leaning more progressive. In contrast, Campras has ties to the Washington County Republican Party and has garnered endorsements from long-serving Commissioners and Mayors in the area.
Campaign Funding and Priorities
Treece’s campaign has raised over $150,000 this year, notably receiving a $20,000 donation from Phil Knight, Nike’s co-founder. Nike is a major employer in Washington County, which has implications for campaign strategies. Treece has also attracted significant contributions from local unions.
Faye has raised approximately $127,000 during the same period, with substantial donations from local labor organizations. Meanwhile, Campras has raised about $12,000 since March, having previously campaigned unsuccessfully against Faye in 2024.
In campaign statements, Campras has promised to prioritize public safety, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and streamline processes for housing construction, aiming to enhance community livability and economic growth.
Immigration Policy and Development Strategy
Faye and Treece both oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies, but they differ in their proposed approaches. Faye has declared a state of emergency in response to escalated immigration enforcement, emphasizing the need for legal assistance and community support. Having immigrated to the U.S. herself, this issue is particularly personal for her.
Treece has described the surge of ICE activity in Washington County as “horrifying” and supports emergency funding for immigrant communities, acknowledging the limitations of local authority over federal actions.
Both candidates recognize the need for careful planning to reconcile agricultural land preservation with economic growth. Faye insists that protecting Washington County’s esteemed agricultural resources is paramount while acknowledging its role as a hub for innovation.
Treece agrees on the necessity for collaboration with city partners and regional authorities to establish a sustainable development strategy. She cites her relationships with local mayors and metro councilors as instrumental in achieving this balance.
The forthcoming election not only positions candidates as leaders but also offers an opportunity to re-evaluate and improve the county’s internal dynamics. Outgoing Chair Kathryn Harrington has been criticized for creating a challenging work environment for county employees, making this leadership transition all the more significant.
Treece emphasizes her commitment to fostering a respectful workplace as part of her vision for governance. Faye also advocates for establishing trust and mutual respect within the commission and among the public, indicating a collaborative approach to leadership.
