Three Candidates Will Vie for Portland City Council Seat

The race for the city council at-large seat will conclude with an election on November 3, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a historic municipal building facade, evoking the institutional gravity of local government policy. — Three candidates are set to compete for an at-large Portland City Council seat in the November 3, 2026, municipal election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local city council candidates prioritize partisan alignment or focus primarily on nonpartisan community listening?

Three candidates are competing for a Portland City Council at-large seat in an election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The contest follows incumbent City Councilor April Fournier's decision not to seek reelection.

Why it matters

Candidates are campaigning to address pressing local issues, including property taxes, homelessness, substance use, and housing affordability. Voters will choose a representative tasked with navigating these complex challenges as the city shapes its future policy direction.

The field of candidates includes 50-year-old mental health clinician Atiim Boykin, 41-year-old web developer Joey Brunelle, and former mayor Kate Snyder, aged 56. The city's current zoning policy mandates that large housing projects include 25% affordable units.

The players

Atiim Boykin

He is a 50-year-old mental health clinician running for the Portland City Council at-large seat.

Joey Brunelle

He is a 41-year-old web developer and graphic designer who serves as the chair of the Civilian Police Review Board.

Kate Snyder

She is a former Portland mayor who served in the city's top office from 2019 to 2023.

April Fournier

She is the current City Councilor who opted not to seek reelection to her seat.

The details

Candidates are actively campaigning through public forums, social media outreach, and door-knocking efforts. Joey Brunelle is running as a Clean Elections candidate, utilizing a system that caps individual campaign contributions at $5.

September 2026: Maria Maffucci withdrew from the council race.
November 3, 2026: The Portland City Council election occurs.

Political Context

The race centers on the city's approach to housing, which reflects ongoing debates surrounding Portland's inclusionary zoning policy. Opposition voices often challenge the efficacy of these mandates, arguing that such requirements can influence the feasibility of new development projects.

Voters will decide the representative who shapes local regulations on property taxes and housing affordability, which directly impacts the city's cost of living. Residents should prepare for the November 3, 2026, election to ensure their priorities are represented in city policy.

The takeaway

The outcome of this election will determine the council's direction on critical municipal issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Residents are encouraged to review candidate platforms to understand how each vision for Portland aligns with their own expectations for the city.