Keith Wilson (mayor)
American businessman and politician (born 1963)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Keith Wilson (born 1963)[1] is an American businessman and Democratic politician who is serving as the 54th mayor of Portland, Oregon, since 2025.[2][3] He is the president and chief executive officer of Titan Freight Systems.[4]
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Keith Wilson | |
|---|---|
Wilson in 2024 | |
| 54th Mayor of Portland | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Ted Wheeler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1963 (age 62–63) Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Portland Community College (attended) Oregon State University (BA) University of Portland (MBA) |
Early life and career
Wilson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.[5] He grew up in North Portland.[6] Wilson received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University (OSU) in business administration and management, and later received a Master of Business Administration degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Portland.[4][5]
After attending PCC and OSU, Wilson moved to New York City to work for NBC in the sales department. He was homeless for a short time, living in LaGuardia Airport.[4] In 1990, he returned to Portland to help his father run the family company.[4] In 1998, Wilson merged his father's two companies into one, Titan Freight Systems.[4] Wilson is also the founder of Shelter Portland, a nonprofit organization seeking to end homelessness.[7]
Political career
Wilson self-funded multiple trips to various cities and countries around the world in order to talk with experts on homelessness.[4] He was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention and was a member of the Platform Committee.[8]
On June 12, 2024, Wilson announced his intention to run for mayor of Portland in the 2024 election.[9] Part of his campaign promises is to completely end unsheltered homelessness in Portland.[10][11] On election night, November 5, 2024, Wilson had an early lead. He and city commissioner Carmen Rubio advanced past the first few rounds of tabulation.[12] The next day, most news agencies called the race for Wilson and Rubio conceded.[13]
The Oregonian wrote, "Wilson's pitch to tackle homelessness, crime and livability — top concerns with Portland voters — came with a full-throated insistence they can be remedied with care and compassion. He made the audacious pledge to largely end unsheltered homelessness within a year the crux of his campaign."[14] He has proposed increasing the number of walk-in emergency shelters in existing churches and other community spaces.[6][15]
Personal life
Wilson is married and has two children.[16]
