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She has 'the worst job in Oregon politics.' But she wants to keep it

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. in-oregon-politics-but-she-wants-to-keep-it.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 18:58 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

PORTLAND, Ore. - January 7, 2026 - Anna Bridges, Portland City Council President, is gearing up for re-election, acknowledging the immense difficulties inherent in her role. Described by some as holding "the worst job in Oregon politics," Bridges faces the daunting task of unifying a deeply fractured city council and addressing Portland's multifaceted crises, from homelessness and public safety to a looming budget shortfall.

Bridges, 43, entered office during a period of increasing turmoil within Portland's governance. The city operates under a unique system where a city manager handles daily operations, while the five-member City Council dictates policy. While the council president doesn't wield additional formal power over fellow commissioners, the position carries the responsibility of setting meeting agendas and, crucially, maintaining order amidst often-contentious debates. Recent years have seen this last responsibility severely tested.

The council has been plagued by infighting, with commissioners publicly accusing each other of bullying and leaking confidential information. Meetings regularly descend into heated arguments, hindering the council's ability to effectively address the pressing issues facing the city. Bridges has become known for her measured approach, often intervening to mediate disputes and strategically choosing when to engage in conflict. She readily admits the job is incredibly demanding, requiring a high tolerance for scrutiny and a constant state of crisis management.

"I think people are seeing that it's a really hard job," Bridges stated in a recent interview. "The expectations are high, the scrutiny is high, the problems are really big, and it's hard to make progress when you're constantly in crisis mode."

Currently, Bridges is running unopposed, a fact she attributes to the widely understood challenges of the position. However, this doesn't diminish the weight of the issues she must tackle. Portland continues to grapple with a severe homelessness crisis, consistently ranking among the cities with the highest rates of unsheltered individuals in the nation. Bridges emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy addressing the root causes - poverty, mental health, and addiction - alongside immediate provisions for shelter and support services. There are no quick fixes, and the issue demands sustained, collaborative effort.

Public safety is another paramount concern. A recent surge in violent crime has heightened anxiety among residents, prompting calls for increased police funding. Bridges supports bolstering law enforcement resources, but also advocates for investment in preventative, community-based programs that address the underlying factors contributing to crime. She champions a balanced approach, recognizing that effective public safety requires more than just reactive policing.

The city's financial outlook adds another layer of complexity. Portland is facing a significant budget shortfall, necessitating difficult decisions about where to reduce spending. Bridges vows to prioritize protecting essential services while navigating the financial constraints. This will undoubtedly require tough trade-offs and a commitment to responsible fiscal management.

Despite potential policy differences, Bridges expresses a willingness to collaborate with Mayor Ryan Bynum. She believes that despite their disagreements, a shared commitment to the well-being of Portland can pave the way for common ground and effective governance. Her ability to forge working relationships across ideological divides will be crucial to her success.

Looking ahead, Bridges acknowledges the significant hurdles that remain. She knows the path to stability and progress will be arduous. However, she remains resolute in her commitment to serving the city and tackling its most pressing challenges. She embodies a pragmatic approach - one that doesn't shy away from difficult work or tough conversations. Her re-election will likely signal a continuation of this approach, one focused on mediating conflict, prioritizing essential services, and striving for incremental progress in a city desperately seeking solutions.