The 2026 Endorsement Process and Intake Form

The 2026 Endorsements Committee of the Washington County Democrats invites all candidates seeking endorsement in advance of the November 3rd, 2026 election to read and respond to the following:

The primary purpose of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee (WCDCC) is to elect Democratic candidates to both partisan and nonpartisan political positions. To achieve this goal the WCDCC follows an endorsement process for qualified Democrats, and will provide resources to help them succeed in their campaigns for office. If elected, we will look to cultivate a relationship, and would like you to attend some Democratic Party events and support Washington County Democratic values.

Any Washington County Democrat registered as a Democrat for more than 6 months prior to their election may apply for this assistance after officially filing with Washington County, or their city, for that position. By completing the following application, having an interview with the endorsement committee, and obtaining the endorsement of the WCDCC at their monthly meeting, you will complete your endorsement process.

Please be advised that as a county party, we would also expect the endorsed candidate to participate in and contribute their resulting political knowledge with WCDCC.

The Endorsements Committee of the Washington County Democrats invites all Democratic candidates seeking endorsement before the November 3rd election to make the committee aware of your intention by completing the application linked below. Applications are now open. Upon review of your application, the Endorsements Committee will contact you to schedule an interview.

The Washington County Democrats endorse in local, non-partisan elections. Examples of non-partisan races include (but are not limited to): city councilor, school board member, or county commissioner. In partisan primary elections, such as the Democratic primary for state legislative seats, we do not officially take a position. We let the Democratic voters decide who the nominee will be, then come together behind that nominee in the general election. See our guide to candidates: click here >

Please read through the Party Platform before your interview to become familiar with the Party’s positions.

*Candidates, please do your best to submit your application early to assure the committee has time to schedule interviews and prepare its reports.
*If you are seeking endorsement and have missed the application deadline, please contact endorsements@washcodems.org.

Candidate filing for the November 3rd, 2026 election ends August 10th, 2026.

Please submit your endorsement application as soon as you can to be invited for your interview. The Endorsements Committee will contact you to schedule your interview once the Committee receives your completed application

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • August 10th, 2026 – Deadline for Endorsement Application for the Washington County Democrats’ Endorsement for November 3 elections
  • August 18th, 2026– County filing deadline for elected incumbent candidates for this election
  • August 25th, 2026 – County filing deadline for non-incumbent (new) and appointed incumbent candidates for County and Special District positions for this election.
  • August 19th, 2026 – Date of Special Endorsements Meeting for candidates to make statements and to be formally endorsed by voting members of the Party
  • August 25th, 2026 – Voters’ Pamphlet statement deadline
  • TBD – Deadline to submit copy for slate cards to the Campaign Committee

To avoid missing deadlines: please submit your application as soon as you can to be invited for your interview.
The Endorsements Committee will contact you to schedule your interview once the Committee receives your completed application.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to your local government! We look look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
The Endorsement Committee & Syed Qasim (Chair)

Click here to apply

The following are the races we will be working on Endorsements for:

Washington County

  • County Commissioner, District 4 [runoff]

Cities

  • City of Banks
    • Mayor
    • Council Member, Pos. 1
    • Council Member, Pos. 3
    • Council Member, Pos. 5
  • City of Cornelius
    • Mayor
    • Council Member (2 positions)
  • City of Durham
    • Council Member (2 positions)
  • City of Forest Grove
    • Mayor
    • Council Member (3 positions)
  • City of Gaston
    • Mayor
    • Council Member Pos. 4
    • Council Member Pos. 5
    • Council Member Pos. 6

Cities

  • City of Hillsboro
    • Ward 1, Position A
    • Ward 2, Position A
    • Ward 3, Position A
  • City of King City
    • Council Member (4 positions)
  • City of North Plains
    • Council Member (3 positions)
  • City of Sherwood
    • Mayor
    • Council Member (3 positions)
  • City of Tigard
    • Mayor
    • Council Member (3 positions)
  • City of Tualatin
    • Mayor
    • Council Member, Pos 1
    • Council Member, Pos 3
    • Council Member, Pos 5

Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

      • Director At-Large, Pos 2
      • Director, Zone 3
      • Director, Zone 4
      • Director, Zone 5

Meet the Endorsement Committee

Endorsement Chair
Syed Qasim

Syed has been a member of the Endorsement committee for almost 2 years. He has been an actively engaged WashCo Democrate for over 5 years before serving with the committee. He currently serves on the Beaverton School District Board of Directors. He has lived in Washington County for over 15 years and has served as the Co-Chair of Beaverton Climate Action Task Force helping the City with it’s approach and policy to fight Climate change. He has also served on various other Boards and Commissions such as Unite Oregon’s Washington County Leadership Council. Beyond community service, Syed works as a Leader in Tech helping large Enterprises transform their Digital landscape.

Endorsement Member
Celina Giron

Resident of Washington County since 1984 after immigrating from Mexico. Received US Naturalization in 1998. Graduated from Forest Grove High School 1994. Received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Linfield College School of Nursing, 2001. Practiced Pediatric Nursing at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for 19 years. In 2020 started at Hillsboro Medical Center (formerly Tuality) working in their new Neonatal ICU/Pediatric ward. Lived and served in the community of Cornelius since 2006. An active parent volunteer in school committees for the Forest Grove School District where her 3 children attend school.  Bilingual and bicultural. It’s important to bring Latino issues to the forefront and elevate Hispanic community involvement.

Endorsement Member
Jonathan Johnson

Jonathan Johnson is a Washington County resident since 2022, and the founder and CEO of Rooted School Foundation, leading a network of public charter schools across four states, including the Pacific Northwest. Jonathan leads The $50 Study – the first and largest research study in the world examining guaranteed income’s impact on youth.  He launched Rooted School Vancouver in 2023.  A graduate of Chapman University with honors, Jonathan began his career as a Teach For America corps member in New Orleans and award-winning educator.  His work has been featured in major media outlets including NPR, Fast Company, and Forbes.  Recently selected to represent Oregon for the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA Program, Jonathan brings expertise in education policy, nonprofit management, and fundraising to the Washington County Democrats.

Endorsement Member
Jessica McBride

A communications professional who grew up in Washington County and graduated from Sunset High School. Holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESOL endorsement from Portland State University. While teaching in the Beaverton School District, helped to organize educators to advocate for the 2019 “Student Success Act”. Led digital fundraising programs for Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Sen. Ron Wyden, and other congressional members and candidates. Served as Chair of the Beaverton Committee for Community Involvement and as a member of the THPRD Programs and Events Advisory Committee. Current Beaverton Education Foundation board member and Beaverton School District Budget Committee member.

Endorsement Member
Andrew Matto

Andrew became politically active following the Parkland school shooting and education budget cuts in the Beaverton School District. A member of Mountainside High School’s inaugural graduating class, he earned a B.A. in Public Health and Politics & Government from Pacific University in 2024. He has worked on campaigns and in government at the local, state, and federal levels, including with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, State Rep. Hai Pham, State Senator Janeen Sollman, State Senator Lisa Reynolds, State Rep. Shannon Isadore, and State Rep. Nancy Nathanson. He currently works as a campaign manager focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot. Andrew is passionate about public health and education policy and is committed to ensuring public health policymaking reflects the needs and voices of all communities, with a particular emphasis on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Outside of work, he is a head lifeguard, enjoys playing volleyball, and spending time with his friends and family.

Endorsement Member
Karen Emerson

Karen has been a Tigard resident since 2005. She is a long-time volunteer in the Tigard-Tualatin School District at her kids’ schools and on District Planning Committees, and she served a term as a school board member. She led fundraisers for The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools for 8 years, she was a member of the Leadership Team that founded Family Promise of Tualatin Valley, and she served on Tigard’s Charter Review Committee. Karen co-led 8 bond and levy campaigns for TTSD and the City of Tigard. She was recognized as Tigard’s First Citizen in 2024, honoring her years of community volunteerism. She is passionate about supporting our houseless citizens and adequately funding Oregon’s public schools. She enjoys all types of puzzles and scrapbooking.