Lynn Peterson ends campaign, endorses fellow Democrat in Oregon's 5th district

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Metro Council President Lynn Peterson withdrew from Oregon's 5th District primary race Tuesday, ending her campaign to unseat Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

While she is no longer seeking a seat in the House of Representatives, Peterson says she will continue working in public service -- naming critical transportation projects, and housing efforts she's focused on in Metro.

“After speaking with my family, advisors, and supporters, I have decided to suspend my campaign for US Congress. I am deeply grateful to the thousands of Oregonians I met in the course of this campaign and I am more committed than ever to empowering people through effective leadership,” Peterson said in a statement.

“While I will not be serving in Congress, I am not leaving public service. Metro is in the midst of critical work–the I-5 bridge replacement project, bringing our regional economic vibrancy back, completing the 4,700 units of affordable housing, and implementing the Supportive Housing Services measure–that deserves my undivided attention."

Announcing the end of her campaign, Peterson endorsed fellow Democrat Janelle Bynum.

"I was the first Democrat to enter the race, because I was appalled at the MAGA extremism of Lori Chavez-DeRemer and the Republican House Majority,” Peterson said. “The 5th District remains a key race to retake the House majority and return sane leadership to Washington, D.C. I believe State Rep. Janelle Bynum is the best candidate to defeat Chavez-DeRemer. She has my enthusiastic endorsement and full support and I urge all 5th District Democrats to entrust her with this work.”

In a statement, Bynum said “Lynn Peterson is a tremendous public servant and asset to our community. I am honored by her endorsement and support and look forward to working with her and Metro when I reach Congress."

Prior to serving as Metro Council president, Peterson was previously elected as Chair of Clackamas County, and served as a transportation advisor to former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and served as Washington State’s Secretary of Transportation.

The 5th district race includes freshman Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer, along with Democratic candidates Janelle Bynum, Jamie McLeod-Skinner, Kevin Easton, Cameron Crimins-Pahl, and Andrew Aesen, who has no political party listed in his candidate filing.

The 5th District includes the cities of Milwaukie, Oregon City, Molalla, Wilsonville, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Bend, Aurora, Canby, and Gladstone.