Susheela Jayapal loses Congressional bid in Oregon

Indian American Susheela Jayapal, the sister of Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, has lost the Democratic Primary in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District

Maxine Dexter defeated a crowded field of progressives, including Jayapal Tuesday, to win the primary to replace outgoing Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who had served in Congress since 1996.

Susheela Jayapal, a former county commissioner, was endorsed by US Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and several members of the far-left “Squad” House Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

READ: Pro-Israel group funding PAC to take down Susheela Jayapal: Report (May 4, 2024)

Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District includes most of Multnomah County, all of Hood County and part of Clackamas County.

Reacting to the results in a statement, Susheela Jayapal congratulated Dexter and emphasized her pride in running a campaign based on integrity and a vision for justice

“We were clear, from the beginning, that we were going to run a campaign based on values, and on our vision for the country and the district,” she stated.

READ: Susheela Jayapal running for Congress from Oregon (November 6, 2023)

Susheela Jayapal highlighted her work on issues like reproductive rights, workers’ wages, and climate change. Her campaign was supported by over 5,600 grassroots donors, raising over $1 million.

Jayapal criticized the influence of super PACs in the election. “Outside super PACs came in and spent an unprecedented $6 million,” she said, calling for campaign finance reform.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in a post on X said, “This wasn’t the result our family was hoping for, but I know Susheela put everything on the line and ran a proudly progressive campaign rooted in people-power.”

Oregon’s 3rd congressional district, which includes most of Multnomah County, all of Hood River County, and part of Clackamas County, is a Democratic stronghold where Democrats outnumber Republicans 3-to-1.

The primary featured three leading candidates—Jayapal, Dexter, and Morales—who were similar on many issues.

READ: Susheela Jayapal elected as Oregon’s Multnomah County Commissioner (May 16, 2018)

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