Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington announced on Thursday she plans to step back from her role leading the county board of commissioners but remain on the commission.

Harrington’s announcement follows condemnation and calls for her resignation after she raised her middle finger in an obscene gesture directed toward fellow commissioner Nafisa Fai during a Tuesday work session.

Harrington said she would also seek mental health support.

“Tuesday’s behavior was a signal that I need to prioritize getting help and support right now,” she wrote in a statement. “I’m taking that seriously.”

The incident was not the first time Harrington was called out for troubling behavior. According to the Oregonian, Harrington has a history of bullying and belittling employees at the county.

Harrington said Commissioner Jason Snider will serve as chair pro tem. Vice Chair Jerry Willey will lead the commission when he returns from vacation.

Fai is running for Washington County chair against fellow commissioner Pam Treece.

“One of the reasons I decided to run is that the people of Washington County deserve a better standard of leadership in the Chair’s Office, and that is what people will get with me,” Fai said Tuesday.

Harrington is not running for re-election.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/17/washington-county-portland-oregon-kathryn-harrington/