Ted Wheeler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ted Wheeler
53rd Mayor of Portland
In office January 1, 2017 – January 1, 2025
Preceded by	Charlie Hales
Succeeded by	Keith Wilson
28th Treasurer of Oregon
In office March 11, 2010 – January 1, 2017
Governor	Ted Kulongoski John Kitzhaber Kate Brown
Preceded by	Ben Westlund
Succeeded by	Tobias Read
Chair of the Multnomah County Commission
In office January 1, 2007 – March 11, 2010
Preceded by	Diane Linn
Succeeded by	Jeff Cogen
Personal details
Born	Edward Tevis Wheeler (1962-08-31) August 31, 1962 (age 62) Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Political party	Republican (before 2001) Democratic (2001–present)
Spouse	Katrina Maley ​ ​ (m. 2005; div. 2020)​
Children	1
Education	Stanford University (BA) Columbia University (MBA) Harvard University (MPP)
Signature

Edward Tevis Wheeler (born August 31, 1962) is an American politician and businessman. He served as the 53rd mayor of Portland, Oregon, from 2017 to 2025. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, Wheeler was the state treasurer of Oregon from 2010 to 2016. He also led the Multnomah County Commission from 2007 to 2010.

Wheeler was first elected mayor in 2016 and won reelection in 2020. He was a registered Republican until 2001, then became a Democrat.

Early Life and Education

Ted Wheeler was born in Portland, Oregon. His family had a long history in the timber industry in Oregon. His great-grandfather started a lumber company in 1900.

Wheeler went to public schools in Portland. He graduated from Lincoln High School. He then earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University in 1985. He also received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia University in 1989. Later, he earned a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University. Before entering politics, Wheeler worked for several financial companies.

Political Career Highlights

Wheeler's political journey started when he ran for the Boston City Council in 1993. He later became involved in Oregon politics.

Leading Multnomah County

In 2006, Wheeler was elected to lead the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. He started this role in January 2007.

As chair, Wheeler worked with others to manage the county's budget. He helped protect programs that support people in need. He also worked to remove unfair fees from state-issued debit cards.

Wheeler also focused on building and improving public spaces. He helped construct new libraries and a new courthouse. He also worked to fund repairs for the Sellwood Bridge. Under his leadership, Portland became the first city in Oregon to "Ban the Box." This rule helps people with past criminal records find jobs more easily.

Serving as State Treasurer

Wheeler at the 2010 Pendleton Round-Up parade

In March 2010, Oregon's State Treasurer passed away. Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed Wheeler to fill the position. Wheeler won the special election later that year to complete the term. He was then elected for a full term in 2012.

As Treasurer, Wheeler managed Oregon's money carefully. He helped save over $172 million by 2013. He also focused on protecting the environment. He aimed to double Oregon's investments in renewable energy by 2020 and again by 2030. Wheeler also promised not to invest in new coal projects. He supported using ESG (Environmental Social Governance) factors for state investments. This helps improve long-term financial performance.

Wheeler also led a group that created the OregonSaves program. This program helps Oregon residents save for retirement. Under his leadership, Oregon's pension fund grew to over $72 billion. It became one of the strongest state pension funds in the country.

Running for Portland Mayor

Wheeler's campaign logo

Wheeler announced his campaign for mayor of Portland on October 14, 2015. He promised to address income inequality. He also wanted to make sure the government was accountable to its citizens. He said he would build a government that worked "for every person."

Many former Portland mayors supported Wheeler's campaign. These included Vera Katz, Tom Potter, and Sam Adams. Other leaders and groups also endorsed him. On May 17, 2016, Wheeler was elected mayor in the first round of voting. He won with 54% of the votes.

Mayor of Portland

Wheeler became mayor on January 1, 2017. One of his first tasks was to assign city departments to the city commissioners. He chose to oversee the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Housing Bureau.

In 2018, a newspaper reported that many arrests in Portland involved people experiencing homelessness. Wheeler said this was a problem. He stated it would affect his budget decisions. In September 2020, Wheeler announced plans to change how the city handles homelessness. He wanted to move people from street camps into shelters.

Protests and Public Safety

In 2017, after a violent incident on a Portland train, Wheeler asked for a stop to far-right rallies. He tried to prevent permits for these events. He also asked the federal government to cancel a rally permit. Violence often happened when far-right groups and left-wing counter-protesters met.

In October 2018, Wheeler suggested new rules to control protests. He wanted more power to manage where, when, and how long protests could happen. He aimed to keep opposing groups separate. He said this would stop people from "beating the bejesus out of each other." However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed this. They argued it would limit freedom of speech. The city council voted against his proposal.

George Floyd Protests

A protest sign during the 2020 protests

A projection calling for Wheeler to resign

In May 2020, Wheeler set a curfew in Portland during the Black Lives Matter protests. These protests followed the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Critics worried that police might limit peaceful protests. Police used crowd-control methods like tear gas. This led some to call Wheeler "Tear Gas Teddy." Wheeler later lifted the curfew. He said he had "serious concerns about the use of CS gas for crowd management." He directed police to use gas only when there was a serious threat to safety.

In July 2020, federal agents were sent to Portland. There were clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Wheeler, Governor Kate Brown, and Senator Jeff Merkley criticized this deployment. They called it an abuse of power. Wheeler said, "This is not the America we want." He demanded that the President remove the troops.

On July 22, Wheeler spoke to protesters. He was booed by the crowd. He was also caught in tear gas released by federal agents. After federal agents left Portland, protests became largely peaceful. However, some violence continued. Wheeler urged demonstrators to stay off the streets. He strongly condemned violent acts.

Protesters light a fire near Mayor Ted Wheeler's condo on August 31, 2020.

On August 31, 2020, protesters gathered outside Wheeler's condo. They demanded his resignation. Police responded after fires were lit and windows were broken. Wheeler later said he left his apartment building due to safety concerns. He apologized to his neighbors for the damage and fear.

By the end of 2020, protests decreased. However, some continued to be violent. On New Year's Day 2021, Wheeler expressed anger about vandalism. He promised "zero tolerance" for criminal behavior. He called for harsher sentences for repeat offenders. He said his efforts to calm things down were met with destruction.

In March 2021, police used a tactic called "kettling" during a protest. They surrounded about 100 people. Police detained them and asked for identification. Wheeler supported this police action. He said, "I was elected through a democratic process and I still believe in democracy. I don’t believe in anarchy."

2020 Reelection

In the 2020 election, Wheeler won a second term as mayor. He defeated Sarah Iannarone and other candidates. This was the first time since 2000 that a Portland mayor was reelected. Wheeler received support from business groups, labor unions, and conservation groups.

2024 Election

In September 2023, Wheeler announced he would not run for reelection in 2024. His term ended on January 1, 2025.

Political Views

Education

As Treasurer, Wheeler restarted the Oregon College Savings Program. This program helps families save money for college. The savings can grow tax-free.

Environmental Protection

Wheeler supports increasing Oregon's investments in renewable energy. He does not support new investments in coal. He also supported Portland's ban on expanding fossil fuel infrastructure.

Gun Safety

Wheeler supports stronger gun control laws. He advocates for thorough background checks for gun buyers. In 2018, he supported The National School Walkout against gun violence. He also said he would work to ban assault-style weapons in Portland.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Wheeler has been involved with Basic Rights Oregon, an LGBTQ+ rights group. He received an award from the group in 2008. This was for his order in 2007 that gave full healthcare benefits to transgender workers. He supports same-sex marriage. He also supported the 2013 initiative to legalize same-sex marriage in Oregon.

Public Safety

During his time as mayor, Wheeler increased the police budget. He supports ending a rule that gives officers who use deadly force a 48-hour period before answering questions.

Homelessness and Housing

In 2017, Wheeler discussed safety concerns with city leaders and business owners. This led to him supporting "no sit zones" in downtown Portland. This policy was criticized by the Oregon ACLU. In 2024, Wheeler announced a plan to address homelessness. He said he would try to ban daytime homeless camping.

Personal Life

Ted Wheeler lived in Southwest Portland with his wife and daughter. After his divorce, he moved to an apartment in Northwest Portland. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys outdoor activities. He climbed Mount Everest in 2002.

Wheeler is Episcopalian and sometimes attends services at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

In January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheeler used pepper-spray on a man. The man had confronted Wheeler and former mayor Sam Adams outside a bar. The man was not wearing a mask and got very close to Wheeler. After being asked to back off, Wheeler used pepper spray.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Ted Wheeler para niños

• List of mayors of the 50 largest cities in the United States