Pam Treece, a Washington County commissioner since 2019, is running for the at-large county chair seat on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Nafisa Fai is also running in the nonpartisan race.

Asked why she is running, Treece said in our candidate questionnaire: "Too many Washington County families are struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, gas, and everyday life. I want our county to remain a place where people can afford to live, raise a family, build a career, and retire."

Candidate information

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, according to Treece.

Family: Treece said in our questionnaire: "My parents met while both serving during World War II, and they instilled in me a deep commitment to serving others and giving back to my community. Nearly 30 years ago, I chose to make Washington County my home and raise my family here."

Education: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I am a lifelong Oregonian and a proud graduate of Parkrose High School. I earned my bachelor's degree from Portland State University and my Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College."

Party: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I am a proud Democrat running for this nonpartisan office. My values shape who I am, but I believe good local government requires us to work beyond party labels to solve problems and deliver results."

Experience and public service

Treece won her commission seat in 2018, becoming the first candidate to unseat an incumbent commissioner in 31 years, The Oregonian reported.

Asked about her work history in our questionnaire, Treece said: "My career has spanned education, small business, workforce, human resources, economic development, and public service. … For the past eight years, I have served as a Washington County Commissioner, helping oversee a complex organization with thousands of employees and a budget of more than $2 billion."

On accomplishments, Treece said in our questionnaire: "I'm proud of my role as a Commissioner in bringing investments from employers like Lam Research and Genentech to Washington County, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the tax base that supports essential services."

On the issues

Housing: Treece said on her campaign priorities page that she "supports a range of housing opportunities for all ages and income levels, and efforts to increase housing diversity and affordability." She also said she supports "new shelters and expanded services to help those experiencing homelessness and housing instability."

Public safety: Treece said on her campaign website that she supports stable funding for first responders and prioritizes accountability and transparency.

Economy: Treece said on her campaign website that she will use her economic development experience to support local businesses and jobs, and work to protect the county from economic turmoil by prioritizing local business strength.

Immigration: Treece called the ICE surge in Washington County "horrific," according to OPB. She said as chair she would seek additional actions to oppose immigration enforcement activities, according to OPB.

Endorsements

Treece has received endorsements from elected officials, labor unions and public safety groups, according to her campaign endorsements page, The Oregonian and OPB:

  • Kathryn Harrington, Washington County Board of Commissioners
  • Janeen Sollman, Oregon State Senate
  • Barbara Roberts
  • Beach Pace, City of Hillsboro
  • Lacey Beaty, City of Beaverton
  • Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 1660
  • Washington County Police Officers Association
  • Washington County Chamber of Commerce
  • IBEW Local 48
  • LiUNA! Oregon and Southern Idaho District Council
  • Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters

Ballots are due Nov. 3.