Candidate Endorsements

2026 Endorsements

Oregon State Governor

Christine Drazan

Christine Drazan brings significant legislative experience and a strong focus on Oregon’s economic competitiveness to her campaign for governor. Raised in Klamath Falls, Drazan has spoken about witnessing the decline of the timber industry and the impact that lost economic opportunity can have on families and communities.

Drazan has made improving Oregon’s business climate a central priority. Her economic plan calls for reducing unnecessary regulations, reviewing the economic impact of state rules, improving the permitting environment, and creating greater predictability for employers looking to invest and grow. She has also emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment and preparing communities for future economic growth, helping Oregon remain competitive for new and expanding businesses.

Her priorities also recognize the connection between workforce availability, housing, infrastructure, energy costs, and a healthy business environment. Drazan supports expanding apprenticeships and career and technical education while better aligning workforce programs with the needs of employers. These priorities address many of the challenges consistently raised by businesses throughout Clackamas County, including rising costs, workforce shortages, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for reliable infrastructure.

For the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce, Drazan’s experience and emphasis on economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure, and reducing barriers to business provide strong alignment with the priorities of our local business community.

Oregon State Senate: District 20

Mark Meek

The North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce endorses incumbent Senator Mark Meek for reelection based on his demonstrated commitment to the economic well-being of Clackamas County.

As a moderate Democrat, business owner, and community advocate, Senator Meek has supported policies that prioritize families and employers. He opposed HB 2025, the proposed Oregon transportation package, citing its significant tax burden on local businesses and households.
Since his election in 2022, Senator Meek has built effective bipartisan relationships that help ensure Clackamas County remains well represented in Salem. His approach to economic development, job growth, public safety, and affordability closely aligns with the Chamber’s priorities. Senator Meek is known for being accessible to constituents, transparent in his decision-making, and guided by integrity. He continues to prioritize policies that foster economic growth, expand opportunity, and keep communities affordable.

For these reasons, the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce supports Senator Mark Meek for re-election to the Oregon State Senate, District 20.

Oregon State House of Representatives: District 40

Michael Sugar

Michael Sugar brings a workforce-focused perspective to the race for Oregon House District 40. An Oregon City resident and high school history teacher, Sugar, has spent more than a decade working directly with students and helping prepare young people for their futures. His experience as a teacher, department chair, and debate coach provides him with firsthand insight into the important connection between education and the development of Oregon’s future workforce.

Sugar’s priorities include expanding career and technical education and creating additional pathways to good-paying jobs. He has also emphasized strengthening local businesses and creating living-wage employment, recognizing that a strong workforce and healthy local economy are closely connected.

Transportation, affordability, and housing are also central to Sugar’s platform. He opposes tolling and supports completing transportation projects on time and on budget, while emphasizing responsible spending and long-term infrastructure reliability. Sugar has also identified housing affordability and vibrant downtowns as important components of communities where families can live, work, and support local businesses.

For the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce, Sugar’s focus on workforce preparation, local business, transportation, housing, and affordability reflects several of the key issues affecting employers and economic vitality throughout House District 40.

Oregon State House of Representatives: District 48

Andrew Morrison

In a time of increasing political division, Andrew Morrison stands out as a leader focused on practical results. As a business professional, father, and longtime community volunteer, he understands the real-world challenges facing families and small businesses.

Morrison’s platform emphasizes public safety by ensuring law enforcement and first responders have the resources they need. He is also committed to improving affordability by opposing unnecessary tax increases, including the Corporate Activity Tax and proposals to redirect the Oregon Tax Kicker. In addition, Andrew supports strong oversight and auditing of state spending to ensure tax dollars are directed toward essential services such as infrastructure and education, rather than administrative waste.

The North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse Andrew Morrison for election to the Oregon House of Representatives, District 48.

County Commission: Position 2

County Commission: Position 4

Diana Helm

Commissioner Diana Helm exemplifies the values of long-term community commitment and business leadership. As a successful business owner and longtime resident, she has demonstrated her dedication to Clackamas County through her service as Mayor of Damascus and as an appointed member of the Board of County Commissioners.

Commissioner Helm understands the needs of both large and small businesses and is a strong advocate for completion of the Sunrise Corridor. She also has strong appreciation of the needs of rural and unincorporated areas of the County. Her priorities include careful budgeting, responsible oversight of public funds, and improving the efficiency and staffing of permitting functions. She supports a thorough review of buildable land inventory to accelerate economic development and has expressed concern that recent state transportation proposals may disadvantage counties and cities. She also recognizes that expanding affordable housing and supporting mental health and substance use treatment services are essential components of addressing homelessness in Clackamas County.

For these reasons, the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse Commissioner Diana Helm for election to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.

Clackamas County Sheriff

James Rhodes

James Rhodes brings extensive experience with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and a strong understanding of the operational and fiscal responsibilities that come with leading one of the County’s largest public-safety agencies. He has served on the Clackamas County Budget Committee and has participated directly in discussions regarding Sheriff’s Office spending, accountability, and implementation of recommendations from the County’s financial audit. In 2024, Rhodes supported requiring the Sheriff’s Office to operate within its appropriated funds while tying additional General Fund support to implementation of audit recommendations.

At a time when Clackamas County is evaluating the future of public-safety funding, Rhodes’ experience with budgeting and accountability is especially relevant. His background positions him to work collaboratively with County leadership, taxpayers, and the business community while maintaining a focus on responsible stewardship of public resources.

Rhodes’ long history with the Sheriff’s Office, familiarity with County budgeting, and experience within Clackamas County’s public-safety system provide a strong foundation for addressing the public-safety needs of residents and the local business community.

Approved by the North Clackamas Chamber Board of Directors August 2026.