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Washington County Chair Race: Nafisa Fai Takes Lead Over Pam Treece in Latest Ballot Count

Progressive challenger Nafisa Fai has overtaken incumbent Pam Treece in the closely watched Washington County chair race as newly counted ballots shift the contest. The outcome remains unsettled, with more results expected.

Washington County Chair Race: Nafisa Fai Takes Lead Over Pam Treece in Latest Ballot Count

Nafisa Fai has moved ahead of Pam Treece in the race for Washington County chair, according to the latest ballot count, upending a contest that has drawn intense local interest. The shift, reported as additional ballots were tallied, puts Fai in position to unseat Treece, the current chair, though the race has not been formally called.

The Washington County chair oversees a government serving one of Oregon’s most populous counties, with jurisdiction over land use, public health, housing and transportation policy. The contest has been closely watched as a test of progressive momentum in local politics and of voter attitudes toward county leadership on growth and equity.

Fai, a Washington County commissioner, has campaigned on a platform emphasizing housing affordability, climate resilience and transparent governance. Treece, who has led the county board, has pointed to her experience managing county services and budgets. Neither campaign immediately responded to requests for comment on the updated tally.

Election officials continue to process ballots, and the margin could narrow or widen as remaining votes are counted. Under Oregon law, counties must certify final results in the weeks after Election Day, and a recount could be triggered if the final margin falls within a narrow threshold.

The race’s outcome will shape the county’s approach to some of its most pressing challenges, including homelessness, transportation funding and the implementation of state climate goals at the local level. Community groups on both sides have mobilized around the contest, framing it as a choice between experienced stewardship and a new direction.

Further ballot updates are expected in the coming days. This story will be updated as new figures are released.

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