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Commissioner Nick Fish is supporting Ted Wheeler in the mayoral race.

(Randy L. Rasmussen/The Oregonian)

The race to collect endorsements is heating up this week as Portland mayoral candidate Ted Wheeler announced that he has secured support from Commissioner Nick Fish, the only member of the City Council to weigh in so far.

The announcement of Fish's endorsement comes a day after the other front-runner, Jules Bailey, earned support from the Portland Police Association.

"Portland faces many challenges. Ted is the best prepared candidate to address them, combining progressive values, executive experience, and a record of strong, collaborative leadership," Fish said in a statement. "I am proud to endorse him and look forward to partnering with him to move our city forward."

Fish's support isn't all that unexpected. Fish has been a Wheeler supporter in the past.

Expect Wheeler and Bailey to unveil dueling endorsements over the next few weeks.

Thus far, 13 candidates are running for mayor. Today is the filing deadline. The primary election is May 17 and, if no candidate secures a majority of votes, the top two candidates will advance to the November runoff.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch