René Gonzalez supported by fire and police unions in mayoral race

City Commissioner René Gonzalez announced today that he has been endorsed in his bid for mayor by the Portland Firefighters Association and the Portland Police Association, two powerful public safety unions.

The two endorsements come as no surprise: Gonzalez won both the fire and police union endorsements in 2022 when he successfully ran to unseat incumbent City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. Since taking office in early 2023, Gonzalez has maintained close ties with union leaders and has been a vocal advocate for law enforcement on the dais.

“A partnership with our public safety professionals is essential to restoring Portland’s status as one of the safest cities in America,” Gonzalez said in a statement released Tuesday. “I am thrilled to have the support of our city’s first responders.

Gonzalez oversees Portland Fire and Rescue, and although he does not oversee the Portland Police Bureau, he has run since 2022 as a police booster.

Gonzalez has $105,000 in unspent campaign money, while his primary opponent for mayor, fellow City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, has $46,000. Other mayoral candidates include City Commissioner Mingus Mapps (who is facing $17,000 in unpaid bills), business owner Keith Wilson and stripper Liv Osthus.