Sam Stites
Sam Stites joins OPB as a temporary reporter covering state government and politics. For the previous five years, he covered a wide variety of topics important to Oregonians for Pamplin Media newspapers. Following graduation from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication in 2014, he cut his teeth for two years covering city government and rural issues in Southern Indiana.
Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Sam’s interest in covering politics stems from his own curiosity and passion for the policies, places and people that make Oregon great. In his spare time, you might find him golfing at Heron Lakes, drinking beer on a patio or attempting (fruitlessly) to reel in a Rainbow Trout on the lower Deschutes.
Send him story ideas at sstites@opb.org or slide into his DMs @sl_stites.
Latest Stories
Oregon’s secretary of state wants voters to know their elections are secure and transparent
Despite missteps leading to the hand duplication of thousands of ballots in Clackamas County, Shemia Fagan says Oregonians should continue to have faith their votes are being counted properly.
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Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney recovering from COVID, will lead Senate this week
Legislature to hold nearly 40 hearings in coming days including to confirm 121 executive appointments made by Gov. Kate Brown.
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Candidates for Oregon’s next governor weigh in on future of Interstate Bridge
The three women vying to become Oregon's next chief executive agree the bridge needs to be built. Where they diverge is on priorities for its shape and size.
Greater Idaho movement scales back plan for Oregon annexation
Following a setback in the May 17 primary election, proponents of the plan for Idaho to annex parts of Oregon are reducing their scope to focus on just the state’s eastern half.
Effort to allow liquor sales in Oregon grocery stores dead, at least for now
Court delays in certifying the measure with the state and the lingering pandemic caused the group to reevaluate the feasibility of making the November ballot.
Greater Idaho proposal faces friction in early results Tuesday
Oregonians in two counties appeared to reject a plan Tuesday to annex parts of Oregon into Idaho, while a third county supported the proposal.
Multnomah County has elected Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell as first female sheriff
Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell is leading by a wide margin in the race to become the next Multnomah County sheriff, according to early returns.
No clear winner in Multnomah County chair race
Jessica Vega Pederson and Sharon Meieran are likely headed to a runoff election in the race for Multnomah County Chair, according to early returns of Tuesday votes.
Andrea Salinas wins Democratic primary for new Oregon congressional district
Andrea Salinas leads in the Democratic primary and Mike Erickson leads in the Republican primary to represent Oregon’s 6th Congressional District.
Fights over lanes, light rail and cost loom as Interstate 5 bridge talks turn serious
The bridge team’s preferred path forward would see eight lanes of traffic with light rail as the public transit option and minimal exits on Hayden Island for the new freeway bridge.