Northwest Labor Press is an independent union-supported newspaper founded in 1900. Our print version is mailed twice a month to about 45,000 members of over three dozen local unions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our online version has been maintained here since 1997.
Politics
In this section we cover not just candidate endorsements and union political activity, but also ratings and follow-up. Half the battle is electing union members, friends, and allies. The other half is getting pro-worker public policy enacted, and holding politicians accountable when they fail us.
Will voters send a logger to the statehouse?
Longview union leader Terry Carlson is looking to unseat an anti-labor Republican in Washington’s 19th District.
A labor look at Washington 2026 primary election results
Candidates running with endorsements from organized labor in Southwest Washington had mixed success in Washington’s Aug. 4 primary election.
A Union Guide to Washington’s August 2026 primary election
Ballots will be mailed July 17 and should arrive by July 23. No postage is needed but ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 4 to count.
A labor look at Oregon’s May 2026 primary results
Labor split its picks in multiple Democratic primaries, but came together on county commission races.
How do we know our ballots are secure?
The Labor Press talked to elections officials from all three Portland-area counties. They were so glad we called.
A labor look at Oregon’s Republican candidates for governor
Though a solid fraction of union members are Republican, the 14 GOP candidates for Oregon governor have just one union endorsement among them.
A Union Guide to Oregon’s May 2026 primary election
Union members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.
Union Republican in a long-shot race for Congress
Andrea Carr is challenging three-term incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz in a district that stretches over the eastern two-thirds of the state.
A labor look at the November 2025 election results
Every local candidate and measure endorsed by labor won election.
A Union Guide to the November 2025 election
There’s a low-key election this Nov. 4. Turnout will be low. Union households can make a difference — if they vote.
Union millworker takes on Longview mayor
In a community divided by partisan feeling, a retired member of AWPPW wants a return to common sense and good government.
Labor scores wins in Southwest Washington primary election
The two labor councils had good results in a sleepy low-turnout primary election Aug. 5. All three endorsed campaigns came out on top.
A Union Guide to Washington’s August 5, 2025 primary election
It’s a short ballot, but some registered voters in Southwest Washington have a decision or two to make in Washington’s Aug. 5 primary.
Oregon’s new Democratic Party chair brings union background
Nathan Soltz was one of the leaders of an effort to unionize among Oregon legislative staffers, who voted to join IBEW Local 89 in 2021.
All in for Mayor Anne
Supporters of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle packed the Fire Fighters Local 452 hall Jan. 30 to launch her campaign for re-election.
A labor look at the 2024 election
The national results were bleak for labor, but the union movement notched mostly wins in Oregon and Washington.
Labor Council launches website for union-backed candidates
The group is a joint labor effort led by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council and backed by 18 organizations in all.
Unions pull Hillsboro candidate’s endorsement after blowup over Gaza
A Hillsboro City Council candidate used ugly and abusive language with a constituent who disagreed with his support for Israel's war in Gaza.
Portland City Council candidates spurn Portland police union
At least 14 candidates running for Portland City Council this year signed a pledge not to take contributions from police unions.
Union Guide to the November 2024 general election
Union members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.
