Commissioner Race: Sinclair Leads Callaway in Washington County

Kipperlyn Sinclair is leading Steve Callaway in the race for the Washington County Board of Commissioners District 4 seat. As of 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, Sinclair held 50.7% of the counted vote. Callaway trailed with 48.5% of the total.

The two candidates advanced to the November runoff after failing to secure a majority in the May 19 primary. The District 4 race covers western Washington County. The district includes most of Hillsboro, North Plains, Cornelius and Forest Grove. It also encompasses Banks, Gaston and the communities of Gales Creek, Manning and Timber.

The open seat belongs to Commissioner Jerry Willey, who announced his retirement plans in 2025. Sinclair currently serves on the Hillsboro City Council. She was elected in 2022 and will leave that seat when her term expires in January. She chose not to seek reelection to the city council.

Callaway described the contest as close, noting that only 38 votes separated the candidates in the 8 p.m. results. “I knew all along that it would be a close race,” Callaway said. “Now we’re waiting for more results.” Sinclair said her campaign message resonated with voters. “I’m thrilled that the people’s voice has been heard loud and clear with the election of the Hillsboro ‘Seeds of Change’ slate,” she said.

Ballot returns indicate a voter turnout of approximately 57.1% so far. Oregon law allows ballots postmarked on Election Day to be counted if received within the following week. Not all ballots have been tabulated. Election officials will certify the final results by Monday, Nov. 30.