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Mingus Mapps

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Revision as of 20:04, 8 October 2024 by Emma Burlingame (contribs)
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This page was current at the end of the official's last term in office covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Mingus Mapps
Image of Mingus Mapps

Nonpartisan

Prior offices
Portland City Commission Position 4
Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Reed College, 1990

Ph.D

Cornell University

Personal
Birthplace
San Francisco, Calif.
Religion
Baptist
Profession
Professor
Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Mingus Mapps was a member of the Portland City Commission in Oregon, representing District 4. He assumed office on January 1, 2021. He left office on December 31, 2024.

Mapps ran for election for Mayor of Portland in Oregon. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Mapps completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Mingus Mapps was born in San Francisco, California. He earned a bachelor's degree from Reed College in 1990 and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. His career experience includes working as a professor.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Mayoral election in Portland, Oregon (2024)

General election

General election for Mayor of Portland

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Keith Wilson in round 20 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 309,963
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

To view Mapps's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mapps in this election.

2020

See also: City elections in Portland, Oregon (2020)

General election

General election for Portland City Commission Position 4

Mingus Mapps defeated incumbent Chloe Eudaly in the general election for Portland City Commission Position 4 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Mingus Mapps
Mingus Mapps (Nonpartisan)
 
55.6
 
186,700
Image of Chloe Eudaly
Chloe Eudaly (Nonpartisan)
 
43.4
 
145,909
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.0
 
3,252

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 335,861
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Portland City Commission Position 4

The following candidates ran in the primary for Portland City Commission Position 4 on May 19, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Chloe Eudaly
Chloe Eudaly (Nonpartisan)
 
31.3
 
66,943
✔
Image of Mingus Mapps
Mingus Mapps (Nonpartisan)
 
28.6
 
61,209
Image of Sam Adams
Sam Adams (Nonpartisan)
 
27.7
 
59,195
Image of Keith Wilson
Keith Wilson (Nonpartisan)
 
5.2
 
11,190
Image of Seth Woolley
Seth Woolley (Nonpartisan)
 
4.0
 
8,577
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Kevin McKay (Nonpartisan)
 
1.6
 
3,419
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Robert MacKay (Nonpartisan)
 
0.7
 
1,549
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Aaron Fancher (Nonpartisan)
 
0.5
 
1,101
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.3
 
544

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 213,727
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Mingus Mapps completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mapps' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I have the values, vision, experience, and judgment to lead Portland to a safer, more equitable, and more prosperous future.

I have a strong record of accomplishments after four years serving as a Commissioner on Portland City Council, and am proud of what we have done – while also recognizing that it’s not nearly enough.

I'm a dad of 14- and 15-year-old Black sons. I want my sons to live in a place where they can be free to be their authentic selves, love who they want, and live in a safe, healthy, environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

For me, this isn’t a pursuit of political power, it’s about fixing the broken city I love, the city that has made me who I am.

I would be honored if you joined me in this movement, and grateful for your support.

https://www.mingusmapps.com/meet-mingus
  • Portland’s homelessness crisis requires immediate and compassionate action. I’ve supported Safe Rest Villages and the camping ban, but we need more housing solutions from the county. My goal is to reduce the number of people sleeping on the streets by ensuring more shelter options and treatment services. As mayor, I’ll push for better coordination and accountability from all levels of government. Together, we can provide the help people need while restoring order to our city.
  • Portlanders deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. I will prioritize reducing violent crime and addressing car and retail theft. With increased support for police and Portland Street Response, we can provide quicker and more effective solutions. We need to hold repeat offenders accountable and invest in prevention programs that work. My leadership will focus on real public safety reforms that protect everyone.
  • MAKE ROADS SAFE FOR ALL USERS: As the Commissioner in charge of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, I got to see first hand how improvements are vital to keep everyone safe, and make better choices for our environment. I also saw that for too long, people have been skirting the laws and making all of us unsafe. I brought an increase in compliance with Portland’s parking and traffic laws, and increased the number of derelict vehicles removed from our roads. Read more here: https://www.mingusmapps.com/parking-enforcement
I am passionate about creating public policies that ensure Portland is a safe, vibrant, and equitable city for all its residents. Public safety is at the top of my agenda—I believe every Portlander should feel safe in their home and community. This means reducing violent crime, addressing property theft, and creating a justice system that is both effective and fair.

I am equally passionate about tackling homelessness. Portland’s homelessness crisis requires comprehensive solutions that combine compassionate outreach with strong enforcement. I’ve championed initiatives like Safe Rest Villages, which provide temporary housing and essential services, and I support expanding permanent affordable housing.

Economic recovery is another area wher
I look up to Barack Obama for his intelligence, integrity, and ability to bring people together. He led with a calm, steady hand during times of crisis, always keeping his focus on creating a more just and inclusive society. I admire the way he balanced hope and pragmatism, inspiring change while navigating complex political realities. His emphasis on thoughtful, data-driven policy and his deep commitment to equity are examples I strive to follow in my own work. He showed that leadership is about service, empathy, and the courage to make difficult decisions.
I recommend The Soul of America by Jon Meacham. It’s a reflection on leadership, values, and how we can move forward by focusing on our shared ideals. The book underscores the importance of perseverance, especially in tough political climates, and reminds us of the power of hope and collective action.
Integrity, accountability, and the ability to listen are essential for an elected official. A leader must be transparent and responsive to the needs of the community. Collaboration and decisiveness, especially during crises, are also critical traits. Above all, an elected official must act in the public’s best interest, not out of personal or political gain.
I bring a combination of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of Portland’s unique challenges. My background in public policy and government allows me to navigate complex systems and implement practical solutions. I’m a strong listener and collaborator, which helps me work across different communities and perspectives. My focus on transparency and accountability ensures that I remain responsive to the needs of the people I serve. Above all, I care deeply about Portland’s future and am committed to creating a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous city for everyone.
A mayor must ensure the safety, health, and well-being of residents while leading efforts to improve the local economy and infrastructure. The mayor should build coalitions, set a clear vision for the city, and ensure that city services are delivered efficiently and equitably. Listening to community voices and balancing immediate needs with long-term goals are also essential responsibilities.
I want to leave a legacy of tangible progress and real solutions. My goal is for Portland to be a city where all residents feel safe, supported, and empowered, no matter their background. I hope to be remembered for reducing homelessness, revitalizing our local economy, and improving public safety in a way that strengthened community trust. I also want to leave behind a city government that is more transparent, responsive, and accountable to its people, setting a higher standard for leadership. Ultimately, I want Portland to be better, more inclusive, and more resilient because of the work we did together.
The first historical event I remember was on August 8, 1974, when President Nixon announced his resignation due to the Watergate scandal. I was about six years old at the time. I didn’t fully grasp what was happening, but I vividly remember the adults around me going inside to watch the announcement on TV. They seemed unusually somber. Meanwhile, I stayed outside, playing lawn darts alone in the front yard, not yet aware of the significance of that moment.
My first job was working for my grandfather’s hardwood floor company when I was about eight or nine years old. I spent my time sweeping, scraping, punching nails, and cutting sandpaper. It taught me the value of hard work at a young age and gave me a strong foundation for everything I’ve done since.
My favorite book is The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois. It’s a profound exploration of race, identity, and the African American experience. Du Bois’ concept of "double consciousness" resonates with me, as it captures the complexity of navigating different worlds and expectations. The book challenges us to confront inequality and think critically about how we build a more just society. It’s both deeply personal and universally relevant, making it a book I return to often for inspiration and insight.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose to be Black Panther. Not only is he a leader with a strong sense of responsibility to his people, but he also balances tradition with innovation. T’Challa’s commitment to justice, his respect for community, and his ability to make tough decisions while remaining compassionate are qualities I admire.
Starship's "We Built This City."
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been navigating the challenges of systemic racism. As an African American, I’ve faced discrimination and bias, both personally and professionally. It’s something that has affected me deeply, particularly in public service, where I’ve had to endure racist attacks and unfair media scrutiny. However, these experiences have strengthened my resolve to fight for equity, justice, and inclusion. They’ve made me more determined to create a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race or background.
Being a mayor means setting the tone for the entire city. It means fostering trust, inspiring action, and representing the values and aspirations of all residents. A mayor must lead by example, unify diverse communities, and make difficult decisions that balance fairness and equity with practicality.
The mayor’s top priority should be to set the vision and policy direction for the city while ensuring that the city manager effectively executes those plans. Maintaining open lines of communication between the council, city manager, and community members is essential to align priorities and tackle the most pressing issues.
The ideal relationship is one of collaboration and mutual respect. The mayor should be open to input from the city council and use their feedback to inform policy decisions. Regular communication and a shared commitment to the city’s success are key to creating strong, effective governance.
I love Portland’s sense of community, its diversity, and the passion residents have for making the city a better place. From our beautiful parks to our vibrant arts scene, Portland is a city full of innovation and resilience. I’m proud of our shared values and commitment to inclusion and sustainability.
Portland faces several critical challenges over the next decade, each requiring innovative and sustained effort to address. One of our most pressing challenges is public safety. Rising violent crime, property theft, and gun violence have shaken our sense of security. We must invest in a balanced approach that includes well-trained law enforcement, community-based solutions, and strong public health initiatives that reduce the root causes of crime.

Homelessness is another major challenge. We need to find long-term, humane solutions to get people off the streets and into safe, stable housing. This requires better coordination between city and county governments, effective mental health and addiction services, and stronger enforcement of camping bans to ensure that public spaces remain safe and accessible to all Portlanders.

Economic recovery will also be critical in the coming years. The shift toward remote work and stalled construction projects have left portions of our city underutilized. To thrive, we must revitalize our downtown, support small businesses, and attract new industries that create high-quality jobs while addressing Portland’s housing affordability crisis.

Lastly, climate resilience will be a defining challenge of the next decade. While Portland has been a national leader in sustainability, we must push forward with more efficient strategies to reduce carbon emissions, improve our transportation infrastructure, and ensure our city is prepared for the impacts of climate change. Balancing climate goals with financial responsibility will be key to making progress.

These challenges are interconnected, and addressing them will require strong leadership, community partnerships, and a clear vision for Portland's future. I believe we can rise to meet them if we come together with determination and shared purpose.
The ideal relationship is a partnership where both levels of government work together to tackle shared challenges. Collaboration on issues like transportation, housing, and climate change will benefit both Portland and Oregon as a whole. Respect for local autonomy paired with state support is key to success.
A strong partnership with the federal government is essential to secure funding for critical infrastructure and social services. Portland should actively engage with federal programs to address housing, transportation, and climate needs while advocating for local priorities. Cooperation and communication with federal agencies are critical to success.
City Council is so strange; a Commissioner speaks and says nothing, nobody listens, and then everybody disagrees.
The mayor and law enforcement should work closely to build a safe, just, and fair community. Mutual trust and accountability are key to ensuring public safety. The mayor’s office must support effective policing strategies while ensuring that law enforcement is responsive to the needs and concerns of all residents.
PROTEC17, Representative Margaret Carter, Rosa Colquitt, Representative Avel Gordly, John Russell, Robert McCullough, Nikolas Ackerman, Joni Bennett, Bryce Butler, Bonita Clark, Kathryn Grimm, Gary Hollands, Shirley Kapsch, MALEA, Bob Martin, Faye Powell, Carl Solomon, Greg Stewart, and more...
Financial transparency is non-negotiable for effective governance. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent, and city leaders must be held accountable for those decisions. Government accountability means being open about successes and failures, addressing problems head-on, and constantly striving to serve the community better.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Mingus Mapps did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

See also

2024 Elections

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External links

Candidate

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024

    Political offices
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