Democrat Susheela Jayapal, a former Multnomah County commissioner and the older sister of Rep. Pramila Jayapal, is running for a safe blue House seat in Oregon.
Jayapal launched her bid to represent the 3rd District on Wednesday, two days after the current occupant, Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, announced his retirement after nearly three decades of progressive activism in the House. Jayapal said she would continue Blumenauer’s work if elected.
“We’re at a pivotal point in our country and in our district,” she said in a statement kicking off her campaign. “With the Republican majority beholden to extremist ideologues attacking our democracy and our rights in ways we’ve never seen before, it’s more important than ever that we have an unwavering progressive voice in Congress to stand up for our values and bring us together to create the thriving, equitable community we need.”
