Adding an unexpected accolade to his already substantial political resume, former President Donald Trump has secured a victory. It may not be the 2024 election he’s gunning for, but he now holds a rightful place on the Hubbard Rural Fire Protection District board in Oregon.
The chances are quite slim that Trump would trade in his ambitions for the White House for a spot on the local fire district board in a serene city in western Oregon. Nonetheless, his victory – in a role he never sought – underscores the considerable influence he continues to wield in American politics. It is a fact worth noting as the contentious 2024 election looms on the horizon.
The story unfolds as an example of how local politics can sometimes lead to truly unique outcomes.
On May 16, Hubbard residents voted for their small board. Two of the three positions were swiftly filled, given the relatively low demand for these posts. The third spot, however, was up for grabs amongst various write-in candidates, including Trump.
A total of 20 write-in candidates received votes, with five (Trump included) receiving two votes each. This outcome triggered a recount due to the close race, ultimately leading to a five-way tie for the last seat on the board.
In an unusual turn of events, the tie was broken by rolling a 12-sided die, a method affirmed by both the Secretary of State’s Office and the in-house attorney. With proxies standing in for the candidates, the first roll resulted in a three-way tie with three candidates, including Trump, rolling a 10.
During the second round, Trump’s proxy rolled a 12, winning him the election.
While it is highly unlikely that Trump will accept the seat, Hubbard has procedures in place to extend the offer to the candidate with the next highest dice roll, should he decline.
Though this story seems like a light-hearted diversion, it doesn’t diminish the significance of Trump’s looming electoral challenges. He is viewed as the favorite in the crowded GOP primary field, but he still has to secure the nomination. Then, he would face the daunting task of running against an incumbent president.
All this aside, this victory, albeit in a small Oregon board, serves as a humorous and unexpected demonstration of the former president’s political reach.
