Washington County Commissioner Pam Treece is running for county chair in the nonpartisan Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Asked why she is seeking the office, Treece said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because I want to serve the people of Washington County … I believe the government should make people's lives better. Too many Washington County families are struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, gas, and everyday life." She said she would focus on "creating more housing people can afford, growing good-paying jobs, keeping taxes and fees in check, and protecting the essential services we all rely on."
Washington County Elections lists Treece and Nafisa Fai as the two candidates in the county chair runoff.
Candidate information
Residence: Treece has made Washington County her home for nearly 30 years, according to her campaign website.
Education: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I am a lifelong Oregonian and a proud graduate of Parkrose High School. I earned my bachelor's degree from Portland State University and my Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College before beginning my career as a public school teacher."
Family: Treece said in our questionnaire: "Nearly 30 years ago, I chose to make Washington County my home and raise my family here. I love this community for many of the same reasons so many others do: our vibrant parks, accessible libraries, safe roads, strong communities, and valuable opportunities."
Party: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I am a proud Democrat running for this nonpartisan office. My values shape who I am, but I believe good local government requires us to work beyond party labels to solve problems and deliver results."
Experience and public service
Treece said in our questionnaire: "My career has spanned education, small business, workforce, human resources, economic development, and public service. I worked as a public school teacher as well as a small business owner before serving as a workforce and human resources executive with PacifiCorp, where I led large groups and managed large budgets. I later led a regional economic development organization, working with businesses, local governments, and community partners to grow our economy."
She added: "For the past eight years, I have served as a Washington County Commissioner, helping oversee a complex organization with thousands of employees and a budget of more than $2 billion."
In our questionnaire, Treece described her regional leadership roles: "I have represented Washington County in numerous appointed regional leadership roles, including the Metropolitan Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC), Regional Waste Advisory Committee, and committees focused on transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and regional emergency preparedness."
On the issues
Housing: Treece said on her campaign website that she backs housing at a range of income levels and wants to increase affordability. She also said she supports new shelters and expanded services for people experiencing homelessness.
Economy: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I'm proud of my role as a Commissioner in bringing investments from employers like Lam Research and Genentech to Washington County, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the tax base that supports essential services."
Public safety: Treece said on her campaign website that she backs steady funding for first responders and wants stronger accountability and transparency in public safety.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
