“Elect Treece to lead Washington County back to stability” – The Oregonian

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board has endorsed Washington County Commissioner Pam Treece for Washington County Chair, citing her experience, understanding of county government and approach to addressing some of the county’s most pressing challenges.

The endorsement marks the second time this year that the Editorial Board has backed Treece for Chair, following its endorsement of her in the May primary election.

In its November endorsement, the Editorial Board highlighted Treece’s experience as a two-term county commissioner and her previous leadership roles in economic development and the private sector. The Board wrote that Treece “thoroughly understands the full span of the county’s responsibilities,” and pointed to her ability to combine a broad perspective with an understanding of the details of county government.

“I’m honored to once again receive the endorsement of The Oregonian Editorial Board,” Commissioner Treece said. “Washington County is facing important decisions about affordability, economic opportunity, homelessness, public safety and how we manage growth. I believe those decisions require experience, thoughtful leadership and a willingness to work with people across our communities to find practical solutions.”

The Editorial Board specifically highlighted affordability as a central challenge facing Washington County and noted Treece’s focus on economic development as one tool for addressing it — including efforts to create higher-paying jobs, strengthen the local economy and support the public services residents rely on.

The endorsement also pointed to Treece’s approach to complex policy questions, describing her solutions as “grounded in facts, cognizant of limited resources and informed by public sentiment.”

As one example, the Editorial Board cited the county’s recent discussion about data centers and Treece’s support for an approach that recognizes community concerns while taking into account the county’s existing land-use framework and available resources. Treece supported establishing a county task force to examine data center issues more broadly.

“People expect their county government to listen to them, understand the facts and make decisions that will actually work,” Treece said. “That means being willing to tackle difficult issues, but also being thoughtful about how we use limited public resources and making sure the solutions we pursue match the problems we are trying to solve.”

Treece has served on the Washington County Board of Commissioners since 2019. Before joining the Commission, she served as executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance and worked for PacifiCorp. Her background also includes experience as a small business owner and public school teacher.

Throughout her campaign for Chair, Treece has focused on affordability, addressing homelessness with urgency and accountability, supporting economic opportunity and good-paying jobs, protecting Washington County’s environment and farmland, and maintaining safe and welcoming communities.

“I love Washington County, and I believe deeply in its future,” Treece said. “I’m grateful for this endorsement and for the confidence people across our county continue to place in me. I’m ready to bring my experience, relationships and commitment to practical problem-solving to the role of Chair.”

Treece is running for Washington County Chair in the November 3, 2026 general election. Learn more at www.PamforWashingtonCounty.com.