COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Portland Supports Ilma López
SUPPORT MATTERS
Endorse Ilma
Ilma López is running for Portland City Council District 5 with the support of neighbors, community members, small business owners, parents, and Portlanders who believe she brings the practical experience, heart, and work ethic our city needs.
REASONS
Why Portlanders Are Endorsing Ilma
From her work as a small business owner and community advocate to her experience as a mom, employer, and neighbor, Ilma understands the everyday challenges facing Portland families, workers, and local businesses.
Mark Dion -
Current Portland Mayor
I enthusiastically support Ilma Lopez for City Council in District 5, which is my home district. Ilma is a mom, a small business owner, and someone who does more than talk — she steps up. I firmly believe that, in order for Portland to become safer and more affordable, we need city councilors like Ilma who understand budgets, are compassionate as well as practical, and who will listen. Please join me in supporting Ilma Lopez on November 3!
Pious Ali — Current City Councilor At-Large
"I am endorsing Ilma Lopez because she will bring a voice and perspective that our City Council needs.
Born in Venezuela, Ilma is a chef, small business owner, mother, and Riverton resident. She brings the lived experience of an immigrant who built a life, raised a family, and established businesses here.
Ilma understands what it takes to build and sustain both a family and a business in Portland. She will help ensure that more people in our city are seen, heard, and represented."
Jim Cohen — Former Portland Mayor and District 5 Councilor
"Ilma Lopez cares deeply about our community, leads by example, and understands the challenges facing Portland families and small businesses. She will be an outstanding City Councilor for the people of District 5."
David Brenerman — Former Portland Mayor, At-Large and District 5 City Councilor
“It is not often that Portland voters have an opportunity to elect a person with Ilma’s unique experience, background, and dedication to whatever task she takes on. She will make a terrific city councilor for the residents of District 5.”
Kimberly Cook — Attorney, Principal at Government Strategies & Former District 5 City Councilor
“Having represented District 5, I know this seat requires sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to work with people. Ilma López has impressed me with her honesty, collaborative approach, and strong values. As a Portland Public Schools mom, small business owner, and dedicated community member, she brings the experience and perspective our City Council needs. I urge District 5 voters to rank Ilma López first.”
Heather Sanborn — Former Maine Senator District 28
“I am so pleased that Ilma has stepped forward to represent our North Deering and Riverton neighborhoods on the City Council.
As a fellow small business owner and a mom, Ilma is deeply committed to making our community safe, welcoming, and affordable. When COVID hit, she was the first to call for our hospitality business community to unite and create a plan to support those in need—whether that meant raising money for laid-off workers, providing meals to hungry school kids who no longer had school lunch, or sharing tips on sourcing necessary safety supplies. ”
Tae Chong— Former Portland School Board and City Councilor
"I am excited to support Ilma Lopez. Ilma was one of the first business leaders to stand up to ICE during raids in January, and she continues to support vulnerable populations through her two successful businesses. She is brilliant, caring, bold, and thoughtful. We need more Latin Councilors and people with lived experiences who can help guide and shape our community for the better. "
Nick Mavodones — Former Portland Mayor, At-Large City Councilor
“Portland needs leaders who listen, bring people together, and focus on practical solutions. Ilma Lopez has consistently demonstrated those qualities by building successful small businesses and showing up for our community when it matters most. I’m proud to support her candidacy for District 5, and I know she’ll be an excellent City Councilor.”
John Coyne — Former school board chair and city Councilor in District 5
“We need someone with strong core values who cares about keeping Portland safe and affordable. We need Ilma Lopez as our councilor in District 5.”
New American Leaders Action Fund - NALAF
"As a national advocacy organization, the New American Leaders Action Fund supports trailblazing community leaders across the country. They proudly endorsed Ilma, recognizing her resilience, business background, and unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more equitable Portland - Maine, in District 5."
Danny Napolitano — Small Business Owner (Bruno’s Restaurant)
"Ilma Lopez is both compassionate and practical. She knows firsthand what it means to work for a living while supporting others. She understands that local government can support its people without neglecting small businesses. I believe Portland needs that kind of balanced, thoughtful leadership"
Maureen LaSalle — Business owner and neighbor
"I am proud to endorse Ilma Lopez for our District 5 seat. Having lived in Portland for 25 years, I have witnessed a great deal of change in our city, and not all of it has been for the better. We need leaders like Ilma who are deeply committed to strengthening families, supporting neighborhoods, and ensuring that Portland remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
I have known Ilma both personally and professionally, and I have great respect for her hard work, integrity, and dedication to our community. As a fellow small business owner, I understand the commitment and perseverance it takes to serve others while building a business. Ilma brings those qualities, along with genuine care for Portland and its residents. I am confident she will be a strong voice for our community, and I am proud to support her candidacy."
Jessica Falero — Community Organizer
"I had the privilege of sitting in a room full of unhoused advocates and listening to Ilma speak. After about 90 seconds, I screamed in excitement. In the ten years of being an organizer in the city of Portland, I have NEVER been this excited about a candidate for city council. I enthusiastically endorse Ilma Lopez for District 5."
Michelle Corry —
Small business owner and Community Advocate
"As a fellow small business owner, I could not be more proud to support my friend, Ilma Lopez, for Portland City Council District 5. She represents the very definition of a "mom-and-pop" restaurateur and understands the importance of keeping Portland small-business friendly and ensuring our local businesses remain a driving force in the city's economic growth. As mothers, we also share a deep appreciation for safe neighborhoods, strong schools, an inclusive community, and affordable housing where families are able to thrive. She is an incredibly hard worker, speaks up for what she believes is right, and is running a clean, thoughtful campaign. I admire her integrity and dedication, and I know she would work tirelessly to represent the people of Portland."
Paige Gould — Small business owner and Community Advocate
“Ilma has always looked out for the community first and has been quick to respond. When everyone was going into lockdown on 3/15/2020, she called me. She was scared. So was I. But she was scared for a much broader group of people. All of the students who wouldn’t be able to eat because they relied on having meals twice a day at school. Ilma had already started coordinating with the local public schools to find out their needs and was reaching out to see if we could help. My team happily rallied to make 1200 meals. So many people reached out and commented on how great it was that we did that. And sure. It was great. But it was Ilma. I was not her only call that day. She didn’t stop until she had someone committed to making a meal for every kid that needed one while the Portland school district was still figuring out how they were going to be able to support these children. She covered the gap in food security for thousands of children by using her network to rally behind a problem. She is driven and dedicated to the well-being of the whole Portland community. And wants to help. Not for personal gain. Not for recognition. But because she has one of the largest hearts that cares for everyone. ”
Hispanics in Maine
Community Group
"Hispanics in Maine is proud to endorse Ilma López for Portland City Council District 5. As an immigrant, small business owner, and community leader, Ilma represents hard work, honesty, and real action. In a time of empty promises, we believe Ilma is the candidate with the experience, values, and genuine commitment to help Portland move forward."
