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Keith Wilson (mayor)

American executive and politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Keith Wilson (mayor)
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Keith Wilson (born 1963)[1] is an American businessman and Democratic politician who is serving as the 54th mayor of Portland, Oregon, since 2025.[2][3] He is the president and chief executive officer of Titan Freight Systems.[4]

Quick Facts 54th Mayor of Portland, Preceded by ...
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Early life and career

Wilson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.[5] He grew up in North Portland.[6] Wilson received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University (OSU) in business administration and management, and later received a Master of Business Administration degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Portland.[4][5]

After attending PCC and OSU, Wilson moved to New York City to work for NBC in the sales department. He was homeless for a short time, living in LaGuardia Airport.[4] In 1990, he returned to Portland to help his father run the family company.[4] In 1998, Wilson merged his father's two companies into one, Titan Freight Systems.[4] Wilson is also the founder of Shelter Portland, a nonprofit organization seeking to end homelessness.[7]

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Political career

Wilson self-funded multiple trips to various cities and countries around the world in order to talk with experts on homelessness.[4] He was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention and was a member of the Platform Committee.[8]

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Wilson talking with reporters after his acceptance speech

On June 12, 2024, Wilson announced his intention to run for mayor of Portland in the 2024 election.[9] Part of his campaign promises is to completely end unsheltered homelessness in Portland.[10][11] On election night, November 5, 2024, Wilson had an early lead. He and city commissioner Carmen Rubio advanced past the first few rounds of tabulation.[12] The next day, most news agencies called the race for Wilson and Rubio conceded.[13]

According to The Oregonian, "Wilson's pitch to tackle homelessness, crime and livability — top concerns with Portland voters — came with a full-throated insistence they can be remedied with care and compassion. He made the audacious pledge to largely end unsheltered homelessness within a year the crux of his campaign."[14] He has proposed increasing the number of walk-in emergency shelters in existing churches and other community spaces.[6][15]

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Personal life

Wilson is married and has two children.[16]

See also

References

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