Derrick Peterson, a leading Portland school board candidate whose links to Christian nationalists Rolling Stone revealed this week, is quitting. Peterson told supporters Wednesday, May 03, afternoon, “Over the past week, my affiliations with various churches have been presented in the media.”
“This has taken a toll on my family and takes away from the critical work needed at [Portland Public School] PPS. I respect our youth too much to allow this distraction to continue. As such, I am withdrawing from the race.”
The Oregonian, Willamette Week, the city commissioner, and the district attorney endorsed Peterson, a veteran law enforcement officer.
Peterson had more controversial credentials. He is a commissioned “apostle” of Ché Ahn’s church, a leading Christian nationalist who supported Donald Trump in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6. Peterson was appointed to the board of 1Race4Life, a church-run anti-abortion group, despite his denial.
Ahn opposes church-state separation and advocates Christians taking over government and society to achieve “radical things for the Lord.” “We’re gonna rule and reign through President Trump and under the lordship of Jesus Christ,” Ahn said during a “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 5, 2021.
Rolling Stone reported that Peterson had used his commission as an “apostle” to speak at an Ahn-affiliated church that compares homos*xual marriage to incest and pedophilia, despite his denials.
Rolling Stone’s Christian nationalism experts called Peterson’s answers “hard to square.” Others saw his candidacy as a covert attempt to put an extremist on a deep-blue city’s school board. Peterson claimed “no hidden agendas.”
The most recent events in Portland are as follows:
- Portland Police Have Shut Down Barbur Boulevard While Investigating a Double Hom!cide.
- Man Arrested For Fatal G*nshot in Portland Tent City.
Conservative groups have targeted school boards nationwide to resist shifting cultural norms on race and gender. Ironically, Peterson’s opponent, retired teacher Patte Sullivan, stated she ran to stop extremists.
Oregon mail-in elections have sent ballots. Peterson won’t serve anyway. “In the event that I win the election, I will resign and allow the PPS’ process to fill the vacant seat.” Peterson concluded: “My intent was only to serve my community and our youth. I believe this is the best way to do so.”
