Candidate Endorsements
BPCC’s 2026 Endorsements
May 2026
This election, Oregon faces a pivotal moment to elect officials ready to fight back against federal policies that harm communities of color - particularly immigrants and refugees. Primary elections are incredibly important because they allow us to support values-aligned candidates who are rooted in our values and help us achieve our mission: fighting for collective and cross-cultural political collaboration for racial justice in Oregon.
For the May primary election, our focus is on the Metro Council and the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Here are BPCC’s endorsements for the May 19th Election:
Washington County Chair: Nafisa Fai
Washington County District 2 Dual Endorsement: Blayne Soleymani-Pearson and Felicita Monteblanco
Washington County District 4: Steve Callaway
Metro President: Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Metro District 1: Ashton Simpson
Metro District 2: Christine Lewis
Metro District 4: Miles Palacios
To register to vote and for more information on elections, please look at the Secretary of State’s website here.
The 2026 May primary election is on May 19th. The last day to register to vote or change party affiliation is April 28, 2026.
Read more about our endorsements below!
Washington County Endorsements
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Nafisa Fai, County Chair:
Nafisa Fai has an extensive record of championing policies that create a more just and equitable Washington County. As an immigrant and refugee herself, Nafisa has worked relentlessly to make the County a safer place for everyone who calls Washington County home—her dedication and experience will be essential in the County’s response toward national policies targeting immigrants.. Nafisa’s campaign prioritizes housing, transportation, community safety, and environmental justice.
Read more about Nafisa and her priorities here.
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Steve Callaway, District 4:
Steve Callaway has spent his career serving communities across Washington County as an educator, city councilor, and two-term Mayor of Hillsboro. He has shown support and understanding of the lived experience and support for immigrants and family members. Steve’s priorities are housing, public safety, and economic development.
Read more about Steve and his priorities here. -

Blayne Soleymani-Pearson, District 2:
Blayne Soleymani-Pearson has worked as a Deputy District Attorney and his background in law presents a unique perspective to the County’s Board. With the federal government suing local cities, it is important that we consider new ways to fight back, and Blayne’s background gives him the experience to do just this. Blayne’s campaign is focused on affordability, community safety, and transportation.
Read more about Blayne and his priorities here. -

Felicita Monteblanco, District 2:
Felicita Monteblanco has vast experience in local politics, serving on a number of boards, committees, and elected positions for the past 10 years. This, in combination with her deep experience at various nonprofits, positions her well to be a strong advocate on Washington County’s Board of Commissioners. Felicita’s campaign is focused on housing, public safety, and climate.
Read more about Felicita and her priorities here.
Washington County District 2 Dual Endorsement
For Washington County District 2, BPCC has decided to dual-endorse both candidates running. We believe both candidates are values-aligned with campaigns that prioritize the needs of communities of color.
Metro Council Endorsements
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Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Metro President:
Juan Carlos Gonzalez has an extensive record of championing policies that help the communities who are most impacted by institutional inequities. His work on Metro Council thus far has centered affordable housing, economic development, and transportation justice. As the first Latino elected to Metro Council and as the child of immigrants, Juan Carlos brings a needed perspective to Metro, prioritizing solutions that will drive more equitable outcomes and bring communities together across the region.
Read more about Juan Carlos and his priorities here. -

Ashton Simpson, Metro District 1:
Ashton Simpson has worked on Metro Council since 2022 and has a record of engaged work for the community. He has secured investments for transportation, parks, and public safety. As a councilor and community advocate, collaboration has always been at the forefront of his decision making process. His campaign priorities include justice for East County, affordability, climate justice, building community, and rejecting division and hate.
Read more about Ashton and his priorities here.
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Christine Lewis, Metro District 2:
Christine Lewis has nearly two decades of experience in policy, government, and nonprofit leadership. Her work with Metro thus far has consistently centered the communities most impacted, and her vast knowledge of a variety of issues shows her commitment to learning and equity. Her campaign goals include transportation, affordable housing, park and outdoor spaces, and economic development.
Read more about Christine and her priorities here. -

Miles Palacios, Metro District 4:
Miles Palacios has a proven track record as a community advocate, policy expert, and nonprofit leader. Growing up in rural Oregon, his experience gives him a unique perspective that better equips him to represent the many voices that make up Metro District 4. His priorities for re-election include affordable housing, transportation, and economic investments.
Read more about Miles and his priorities here.
FAQs
How do I register to vote?
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You can register to vote, or check to see if you’re registered, by visiting the Secretary of State’s website. Here you will also be able to change your party affiliation and learn more information about upcoming elections!
What is the Metro Council?
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Metro is the regional government in Greater Portland, led by a nonpartisan elected council. Metro serves 24 cities across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. Metro collaborates with partners to manage public services and regional systems, such as transit and affordable housing.
How do I find my district?
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You can find your Metro District by using this tool: https://gis.oregonmetro.gov/boundary-lookup-tools/find-your-councilor
If you reside in Washington County, you can find your district using this tool: https://washco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5f16aa86c69d4495abd34cfc12ec4b52
The primary election is on May 19, 2026.
The general election is on November 3, 2026.