Dawn Rasmussen announces campaign for congress: 'A New Dawn for Oregon’s 2nd District'

“For too long, the voices of rural Oregonians have been dismissed or divided,” Rasmussen said. “Our communities want practical leadership, not partisan grandstanding. ‘A New Dawn’ is about restoring collaboration, decency, and balance — and making sure every Oregonian, no matter where they live, has a fair shot.”

Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District spans nearly two-thirds of the state — from the Columbia Plateau to the Wallowas, and from Burns to Ontario, Medford, and bordered by Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and California states. Rasmussen is one of four Democratic candidates vying for the nomination in the May 15, 2026 primary. The Republican field currently includes three candidates, including incumbent Cliff Bentz.

Rasmussen’s campaign will focus on rebuilding trust and opportunity in Eastern and Southern Oregon through practical, community-driven solutions. Her key priorities include:

Rural Economic Development:

Investing in small businesses, infrastructure, and workforce retraining to create stable, good-paying jobs across rural Oregon

Affordable Healthcare Access:

Protecting rural hospitals, expanding preventative care, and tackling the high cost of prescription drugs.

Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship:

Defending Oregon’s farms, forests, and waterways while advancing responsible land-use policies that sustain rural economies.

Housing and Cost of Living:

Supporting attainable housing and revitalizing main streets so young families can stay and thrive in their hometowns.

Restoring Civic Trust:

Promoting transparency, bipartisan collaboration, and ethical governance grounded in Oregon values.

“I’ve spent my life helping people find their next step forward,” Rasmussen said. “That’s what this campaign is about — helping Oregon find its next step toward fairness, opportunity, and decency. Our district deserves a representative who listens, tells the truth, and actually shows up.”

Rasmussen has already launched a district-wide listening tour, meeting with residents, small-business owners, farmers, and local leaders in communities across Eastern and Southern Oregon. These conversations will continue throughout 2026, bringing Rasmussen to communities to hear directly from voters. 

“I’ve known Dawn for many years, and I have always been impressed by her passion and commitment to the issues that matter most to everyday people. She is willing to listen to everyone and works to bridge the divides between the differing viewpoints that make Eastern Oregon such a unique part of the state.”

— Darcy Long, former city councilor, The Dalles, Wasco County

“Dawn embodies the thoughtful leadership our community deserves. She stands out as a strong advocate for genuine representation, always prioritizing the greater good by listening intently and caring authentically for the concerns of her constituents. She is a natural leader who leads with humility - not ego - bringing intelligence, understanding, and a well-rounded approach to every issue she faces.”

— Kim Morgan, past President Oregon Community Colleges Assn, Wasco County

About Dawn Rasmussen

Dawn Rasmussen is an Oregon small-business owner, author, and nationally recognized career management expert who has spent decades helping people navigate workforce transitions. Her company has trained thousands of Oregonians in job readiness and professional development.

Dawn is committed to bringing that same focus on opportunity and practical problem-solving to Congress — ensuring that the people of Eastern and Southern Oregon are heard, respected, and represented with integrity. She lives in The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon.