East County Rising

05/16/2026

Holding Cayle Tern and his loved ones close in our hearts.

Cayle was a founding board member of East County Rising, a dedicated community advocate, and a leader who deeply believed in showing up for others. Through his service, advocacy, and kindness, he helped shape our organization and the broader East County community in meaningful ways.

Many knew Cayle as someone who genuinely cared about people — someone who listened, encouraged others, and worked to make our community stronger and more connected. His impact will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched.

We are incredibly grateful for all the years Cayle stood alongside East County Rising and for the care and commitment he brought to this work.

We send our deepest love and condolences to his wife, children, family, friends, and everyone grieving this tremendous loss.

Thank you, Cayle, for your leadership, friendship, and heart. You will be deeply missed.

05/13/2026

Democracy is one tool we have to shape the future together — but it only works when we use it.

Oregon ballots are due Tuesday, May 19th. If you’re mailing your ballot today (May 12), make sure it’s dropped in the mail by tonight or ask your post office for a hand/manual postmark to ensure it’s counted. Ballots must be dropped off by 8pm on May 19th.

Our communities deserve leaders who will fight for housing, affordability, climate action, and dignity for working people — and organizing doesn’t stop after Election Day. Voting is one part of how we build power together.

See East County Rising’s endorsed candidates and learn more:
linktr.ee/eastcountyrising

Find a ballot drop box near you: sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx

(photo of the new Gresham library for the algo!)

05/12/2026

On May 1, the East County Rising team spent May Day in the streets with community members during Portland’s Community Action Day and Day Without an Immigrant — talking with neighbors, building power, and collecting signatures for the Your 2 Cents campaign.

As part of the ECR team, it was exciting to see how many Portlanders connected with the vision behind this campaign: giving everyday people a direct voice in deciding how 2% of Portland’s city budget is spent. From housing and youth programs to community safety and neighborhood investments, people want a real say in where public dollars go.

One of the best parts of the day was hearing community members stop, ask questions, and realize this campaign is truly about democratic participation and community-led decision making.

Grateful to organize alongside a team and community that continue showing up for a more equitable and people-centered Portland.

05/02/2026

East County Rising is proud to endorse Peter Klym for Multnomah County Circuit Court, Position 12.

A public defender with deep experience managing high case volumes, Peter brings a sharp eye for judicial accuracy and a commitment to reducing delays and dismissals. He knows East County—having served many of our neighbors—and has shown up locally to expand access to legal services.

🗳️ Ballots are out—vote early. Mail by May 12 or return to a drop box by May 19, 8pm.

Learn more + get involved: linktr.ee/eastcountyrising

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

With a background in public service and transportation advocacy, Ashton Simpson has already delivered major wins—securing $185M for pedestrian safety improvements and advancing affordable housing investments with strong workforce standards. East County Rising is excited to endorse Ashton for Metro Council. Grateful to our members and community partners who shaped this decision. 🚶

Get involved: linktr.ee/eastcountyrising
Register by April 28th. Vote by May 19th.

04/27/2026

A seasoned Metro Councilor since 2018, Juan Carlos Gonzalez has delivered at scale—launching the Housing Accelerator Fund ($5M) and helping produce 5,000+ affordable homes, while passing a $475M Parks & Nature bond. East County Rising proudly endorses Juan Carlos for Metro President for his track record of pairing economic growth with anti-displacement strategies. Thank you to our members and community leaders who helped guide this endorsement. 🌱

Join us: linktr.ee/eastcountyrising
Register by April 28th. Vote by May 19th.

04/26/2026

An educator and experienced legislator, Zach Hudson brings deep policy focus—helping preserve access to a critical birthing center and securing funding for culturally specific community infrastructure, while advancing protections in education. East County Rising is honored to endorse Zach for State House District 49. Appreciation to our members and community leaders for their role in this process. 📚

Be part of it: linktr.ee/eastcountyrising
Register by April 28th. Vote by May 19th.

04/26/2026

With a background in education governance and legislative leadership, Ricki Ruiz has delivered tangible results—securing over $10M to reduce youth gun violence and advancing investments in schools and small businesses. East County Rising is proud to endorse Ricki for State House District 50. Thank you to our members and community leaders who helped shape this endorsement. 🔥

Show up: linktr.ee/eastcountyrising
Register by April 28th. Vote by May 19th.