A Leader Who

Listens

Portland is my home. I’m proud to serve my community by championing the voice of the people in public policymaking.

Let’s build the city we deserve.

Why We Support Sameer Kanal

  • This city is taking on a great change, and it will need a leader proven to lead in such a task. Sameer not only has the vision, but also the talent and abilities to execute them. Thats why I endorse Sameer Kanal for City Council, District 2.

    SEEMAB HUSSAINI, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • Sameer Kanal is a dynamic candidate whose deep commitment to community engagement and social equity positions him as a transformative leader for Portland.

    APANO ACTION FUND

  • His work in policy development and community organizing makes him an ideal advocate for the progressive and inclusive policies that Portland needs. Whether it's his dedication to expanding transportation infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, or ensuring that all Portlanders have a place to call home, Sameer is the leader who will champion the solutions that matter most.

    VOTERS OF TOMORROW OREGON

  • With his deep-rooted passion for making Portland a more just, accessible, and forward-thinking city, we are confident that Sameer Kanal will lead Portland with the integrity and innovation it needs. His leadership will create pathways for a brighter, more equitable future for all.

    VOTERS OF TOMORROW OREGON

  • Sameer is a native Portlander who knows what community needs and how to get us there, amidst the government changes we are navigating together. I trust his values, integrity, and professionalism.

    DANA STROUD, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, MOUNT HOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

  • Sameer centers the need of Portlanders, identifying barriers for our community, and advocating for resources that provide positive outcomes. He is honest, committed and passionate.

    EVA VEGA, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • Sameer is a forward thinking DOER. A HARD worker. He's demonstrated necessary qualities to collaborate and come to humane and evolved solutions for problems our state faces.

    CHERIE SMITH, MEMBER, PORTLAND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, MOTHER AND 3RD GENERATION OREGONIAN

  • As a youth leader who has protested, advocated, and asked for changes in government, Sameer has always shown up to support. We need leaders like him, who will support anyone no matter their backgrounds.

    JORGE SANCHEZ BAUTISTA, COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AND LEADER

  • Sameer puts others’ needs before his owns and understands the importance of true community participation in governance. He will be a voice for you on the issues that matter to you the most.

    SASHA SLEIMAN, FORMER EAST WENATCHEE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF CHELAN COUNTY AND CITY OF WENATCHEE

  • I am confident that Sameer will be a competent and collaborative member of city council. Sameer is thoughtful and strategic and will champion community-centered safety in District 2.

    FAYTHE AIKEN, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • Sameer personally understands what the stakes are and knows how to craft effective policies for meaningful change.

    JOHNATHAN DESOTO, FILMMAKER
    VOLUNTEER, PORTLAND FOR ALL

  • I endorse Sameer because he supports unions. He joined us at our bargaining sessions and our fight for a fair contract.

    ELLIS HEWS, MEMBER OF PSU-AAUP

  • I have seen Sameer's passion for the people in Portland grow along with economic development. He is committed to representing fairness and ensuring a safe community for those choosing to live in Portland.

    PASTOR ROBIN WISNER, CITY COUNCILOR, MAYWOOD PARK AND FORMER CO-CHAIR OF THE PORTLAND COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY-ENGAGED POLICING

  • I am endorsing Sameer because he is driven, genuine, and passionate about building a community that truly benefits all of Portland.

    JAMIE RIDGEWAY, FORMER RESEARCH AND POLICY COORDINATOR, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • Sameer is a dedicated activist and public servant whose accomplishments and experience reflects their community first values.

    CHRISTIAN ORELLANA BAUER, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION, MEMBER 082 ARTIST COLLECTIVE, FORMER MEMBER LABORERS LOCAL 483

  • Sameer is an experienced leader that is ready to work with and for the community. He will work hard to ensure that his constituents are seen, heard and will collaborate with community to resolve issues impacting them.

    TERESA ALONSO LEON, FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE

  • I’m a small business owner who wants smart, action-oriented people helping Portland . Sameer would work hard to collaborate and move our community forward, making it a better place for everyone.

    TIM PITTS, PROUD REALTY
    MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSIONER

  • Sameer is a thoughtful progressive voice for for a safe, thriving Portland. Sameer is a dedicated public servant and his success tackling some of Portland's toughest issues shows that government truly works best when it listens to its constituents.

    YUME DELEGATO, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • Sameer centers the need of Portlanders, identifying barriers for our community, and advocating for resources that provide positive outcomes. He is honest, committed and passionate.

    EVA VEGA, FORMER POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSIONER

  • The City of Portland needs public servants, not self-serving politicians. We need Sameer - who will bring humanity, compassion, justice, equity, integrity, and real police accountability to actually protect and serve all community. Sameer is someone who serves according to the City of Portland Core Values, and will find actual solutions, NOT more punitive problems that do more harm instead of healing our City. "A great leader benefits community, not just their own selfish career goals."

    CHARLIE MICHELLE-WESTLEY, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION, COP WATCH, PEACE AND JUSTICE WORKS, CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE

  • I worked closely with Sameer when I was an appointed Commissioner on the Police Accountability Commission. While working with Sameer on the PAC, we collaborated on work in the pursuit of justice and integrity within law enforcement which is more crucial than ever. The work done on the PAC championed transparency, rigorous standards, and community oversight, to ensure that law enforcement uphold their commitment to serve and protect with integrity and respect for all individuals. The work of the PAC invested in a future where law enforcement operates with transparency, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice.

    ANGIE TOMLINSON, PAC, PPS PTA, PREVIOUS PTE 17, PREVIOUS AFSCME, MEMBER, POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

  • I support city councilors who are out in the community reaching out to all voters.

    AUSTIN FOLNAGY, LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER, SEIU

  • Sameer spoke confidently and without notes. He stood above the other candidates at this event in terms of his mental acuity. He really knows North Portland politics, has strong community-oriented takes on specific issues, but also understands how the wheels grind. He’s young and energetic, which I take as a plus. I like that he voluntarily brought up controversial issues like noise pollution from the PIR that are specific to North Portland. He clearly soaked in a lot as a project manager with the Police Accountability Commission. And…he has a fantastic origin story, which is well-articulated on his campaign website. He’s got an impressive list of endorsements—I’m #1 on purple and teal.

    James Bernard Frost

  • Smart ideas on housing, loves democracy, hates climate change, off the beaten path in clever ways, proven ability to collaborate. [...] Far and away my favorite canidate I got to talk to, eager, earnest, smart, and incredibly pragmatic at the same time.

    Resident of District 2

  • I'm supporting Sameer because he shares the values that I have about creating safe communities and building a public safety system that works for all of us. He believes in the people in the City of Portland. He believes that Portland can be a city that thrives, not one that is based on fear.

    Jo Ann Hardesty, Former Commissioner, City of Portland City Council

Meet Sameer Kanal

I’m a human rights scholar, a renter, and a believer that government should listen to and collaborate with the people. I’ve dedicated my career to public service, including working for the City’s Community Safety Division, ensuring community input is always part of decision-making. I serve on Portland’s Parks Board and the board of Dodgeball PDX, and I’m the founder of a non-profit that fosters students’ understanding of global affairs. I’ve seen our government in action from all sides and know how to get things done.

Why I’m Running

With an all-new system of government starting next year, we need experienced leaders who will champion the needs of our communities, build consensus, and find real solutions to the tough problems in our city. I’m running to be that advocate for the people of North and Northeast Portland.

As your Councilmember, I will prioritize holistic community safety, well-maintained infrastructure, and housing for all. From expanding violence prevention efforts to ensuring everyone has a safe place to sleep, I will fight for a safer, more prosperous Portland for all of us and a government that works for the people.

Help fuel our people-powered campaign!

We don’t have to sacrifice our values to solve our problems.

Portlanders deserve:

  • An economy in which we can all thrive

  • Safety in our daily lives

  • A healthy environment to pass on to the next generation.

Join the campaign

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