Nov. 5 General Election: Oregon House District 52

I’m running because I believe deeply in the power of local governance and in the ability of individuals to make a meaningful difference within their communities. My decision to run now is the result of years of preparation and varied experiences. From my time as a student health advisor at Portland State University to working as a youth addiction counselor in the nonprofit sector, and even facing my own health challenges, I’ve seen firsthand the real issues our community faces.

Serving as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County and as a legislative aide for District 52 in Salem has given me invaluable insights into our district’s challenges and opportunities. I’ve come to understand that we need fresh, practical perspectives that reflect the values and diverse needs of all residents. I believe our current representation is out of step with what our district truly needs, and I’m committed to bringing solutions that address housing, healthcare, and economic development to benefit everyone — from our urban centers to our rural communities.

Have you held public office before?

I served as the legislative aide for former District 52 Rep. Lori Kuechler after Anna Williams resigned. In that role, I worked closely on constituent services — whether it was helping with hunting licenses, DMV issues, water rights, or other local concerns. I enjoyed learning the “secret sauce” of how things worked in Salem and discovering how much can be accomplished when we focus on problem-solving. While campaigns can be partisan, when it comes to serving constituents, party lines never enter the conversation — it’s about getting the job done and helping people.

What are your qualifications for this position?

My qualifications for this position are grounded in my diverse experiences in healthcare policy and community service. As a student health advisor at PSU, I managed the university’s health insurance program, ensuring that more than 30,000 students — both domestic and international — had access to coverage. I worked closely with the insurance provider to craft policies that expanded access to care, including for students with unique needs like our international and transgender populations. This role gave me valuable experience in navigating complex systems and creating equitable healthcare solutions.

Additionally, as a drug and alcohol prevention specialist for the City of Sandy, I worked directly with youth and homeless individuals, helping them access treatment centers, transitional housing, and job programs. This hands-on work reinforced my commitment to sup-porting vulnerable communities and finding solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

I also served as a legislative aide, which gave me firsthand experience in advocating for our district’s needs at the state level. Together, these roles have prepared me to address the pressing issues facing our community, including housing, healthcare, and education, with practical, community-focused solutions.

What are the top three issues facing Oregon today?

Affordable housing and homelessness: Oregon’s housing crisis requires urgent action. Too many Oregonians are unable to access safe and affordable housing. I support Gov. Kotek’s housing funding proposal, which includes resources for low- and middle-income housing and assistance to keep people in their homes. I advocate for policies that incentivize affordable housing construction and expand inclusionary zoning without expanding urban growth boundaries. Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing mental health, addiction treatment, and access to supportive housing.

Education and equity: I am dedicated to strengthening public education from kindergarten through university. I support equitable funding distribution to ensure both rural and urban schools have adequate resources. We must improve technology access in rural schools and customize curricula to meet students’ unique needs, promoting equity and opportunity for all.

Public safety and harm reduction: Oregon faces critical mental health and addiction challenges. With my experience as a youth addiction counselor, I will advocate for increased funding for treatment programs and expanded services in underserved areas. I support justice reforms that reduce recidivism, prioritize public safety, and ensure fairness in our criminal justice system.

In each case, I will collaborate with stakeholders, community leaders, and legislators to develop bipartisan solutions that benefit all Oregonians.

What is an innovation you would recommend the government try?

One key innovation I would bring to the Oregon state legislature is creating a comprehensive rural service access initiative. This initiative could leverage technology and partnerships to expand access to healthcare, education, and essential services in underserved rural areas like the Columbia Gorge. By combining virtual solutions with mobile service units, the initiative would ensure that legal rights and government services translate into actual accessibility for everyone, regardless of geographic location. My approach would bridge existing gaps and set a precedent for how state policy can tackle accessibility holistically and modernly.

Finish this statement: In five years, my vision for the District 52 is …

A healthy community serves all walks of life. In five years, my vision for District 52 is to build a resilient, thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to succeed. I see a district where families can access high-quality education, affordable healthcare, and sustainable job opportunities. Tackling the housing crisis will be a top priority, ensuring working families, seniors, and young people can find and afford homes in our district. We must also focus on wildfire prevention and recovery, both mitigating and helping our communities prepare for the increasing frequency of wildfires. By working closely with local leaders, unions, and the business community, let’s foster economic growth that goes hand in hand with protecting the natural beauty of our region, ensuring that progress benefits both our economy and our environment.