Charles Jordan Remembered

Over the weekend former Portland City Commissioner Charles Jordan passed away. Jordan was appointed to his seat in 1974 and was elected to a full term that May. He faced 14 opponents in the primary. Over 98,000 votes were cast and Jordan managed to grab over 30,000 of them. His nearest challenger, Gene Anderson, took just over 10,000 votes. Both men would face off in the November General Election. Jordan would come out on top again over Anderson. He would be elected to serve on the commission with future Mayor Frank Ivancie, and Auditor Mildred Schwab.

Here is a bumper sticker from that first primary campaign in 1974.

The 'new face' was a creative take on two different aspects of his appointment. First, that he was already on the city council and that he was first African American to serve and be elected in Portland on the council.



He would run for re-election in 1976 and win again in November to serve along side another future Mayor, Connie McCready. Jordan ended up winning re-election in 1980 and 1984 before resigning to take a job as a parks director in Texas. He returned to Portland in 1989 to take a similar job which led to some controversy.

Some suspected that Jordan had gotten his new job as thanks for not running against Mayor Bud Clark in 1992. No charges were ever brought up, after an ethics investigation found nothing. During his 14 years leading the parks department the city saw an unprecedented expansion. Over 40 new recreational facilities were add to the city.

Jordan passed away after dealing with complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 77. The Oregonian has a full about his life. If you have any other Charles Jordan campaign items feel free to share them with us.