I grew up in the Oregon State Capitol building, and I believe in service and the promise of government. The first time I testified on a bill, I was 9 years old and advocating for safe policies around insecticides on school grounds. By the time I was 18, I was one of the student leaders who organized and spoke at the March for Our Lives Portland protest. Whether standing up for smart environmental policies or for those who feel unsafe at school, I believe in standing up for my community.

 

For the last three years, I have served as the Legislative Director for members of both the House and the Senate where I worked to protect access to reproductive healthcare, fought for union representation for workers, advocated for gun violence prevention, championed education reforms, and secured investments in Oregon-grown businesses.

 

But one of my greatest achievements as a Legislative Director was seeing the Fentanyl Education bill pass both the House and the Senate with near-unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans. That bill grew out of heartbreak right here in House District 34. Our community was rocked by the sudden and accidental overdose of a local teenager, and as someone who had known him personally, I was deeply impacted by his death. In their grief, his parents began working to educate students and their families about the true dangers of fentanyl, and their work led them to me. Working with those parents, our community teachers, and healthcare professionals, I was proud to shepherd a life-saving bill through the system and into our law books. SB 238 will save lives and prevent heartbreak for other families. 

 

I have the experience, the drive, and the know-how to be an effective voice for you on day one. I’ve been standing up for our community for years and now I’m honored to ask for your support in bringing our voice to the House floor.