Update: Still No Council President After Full Day of Deliberation and Votes

"Portland City Council is set to decide who will hold the council president's gavel for the next year, in an annual vote under the city's government structure. It's the first item on Wednesday morning's agenda, which is scheduled for two hours, but if last year's election is any indication, you'll want to bring a snack. The meeting begins at 9:30 am. View the agenda and tune in to the livestream here."

"Elana Pirtle-Guiney, the current council president, is facing an uphill battle in her bid for reelection. Elected in the ninth round in 2025 with seven votes, Pirtle-Guiney played a precedent-setting role as the government found its footing throughout the year. Pirtle-Guiney's Chief of Staff Natalie Sept told the Mercury Wednesday morning that she's proud of her office's work in its first year."

"Update: 8:45 am January 8- After more than seven hours and multiple rounds of voting, Portland City Council failed to elect a president Wednesday. The Council is scheduled to reconvene at 2 pm Thursday to continue the leadership selection process. Original story: Portland City Council is set to decide who will hold the council president's gavel for the next year, in an annual vote under the city's government structure."

Portland City Council failed to elect a president after more than seven hours and multiple voting rounds and will reconvene Thursday at 2 pm to continue the selection. The meeting had been scheduled to begin at 9:30 am with a two-hour agenda slot. The council president presides over all meetings, controls who speaks, assigns items to committee or full council, and helps set agendas. The role also carries administrative duties that can limit a councilor's legislative and committee engagement. Previously the mayor presided and the president filled in only during the mayor's absence. Elana Pirtle-Guiney, the current president, faces a difficult reelection effort after winning in nine rounds in 2025; her chief of staff said she is proud of the office's first-year work.

Read at Portland Mercury