Candidate Endorsements

Posted by Victor Reyes in News Aug 27, 2020 9647 Views Comments Off

Note: Original post was updated 09/24/20 to reflect additional endorsements.

Our Legislative Committee, Executive Committee, and the leadership of all AAUP collective bargaining chapters in Oregon have reviewed and collectively determined our statewide candidate endorsements. Our endorsements are based upon review of candidates’ responses to our questionnaire and the legislative record of incumbent candidates.

The next Oregon Legislature must reckon with a nearly $4B projected budget deficit. The choices made in closing that deficit will impact every Oregonian. It is imperative that we seat House and Senate legislators who will protect essential public services like education and health care. A majority is crucial. A super-majority would allow us to rebuild meaningful democratic governance in Oregon. We have endorsed the candidates bellow because we know AAUP Oregon members can count on them to support public education and working families.

We especially draw your attention to a few key endorsements in races that we anticipate will be tightly contested. If at all possible, donate your time, talents, and resources to help secure these important seats. Don’t forget that Oregon residents have access to a political tax credit, meaning that you can donate up to $50 individually (or $100 jointly) and receive the full amount as a credit on your next tax return.

Endorsements in Tightly Contested Races:

Melissa Cribbins for Senate District 5 (Tillamook to Coos Bay): Cribbins is running to fill the House seat vacated by Senator Arnie Roblan. Replacing Roblan with a successor who will be an equally strong voice for education is incredibly important. Cribbins election would also help secure the democratic super-majority needed to make meaningful changes to Oregon’s tax system. Volunteer or donate here.
Deb Patterson for Senate District 10 (Monmouth, Independence, parts of South and West Salem, Turner, and Aumsville): Patterson is running to unseat Senator Denyc Boles who was appointed to the seat after the passing of Senator Jackie Winters. Patterson is an SEIU member and strong voice for working people. Flipping Senate District 10 would help secure the democratic super-majority needed to make meaningful changes to Oregon’s tax system. Volunteer or donate here.
Paul Evans for House District 20 (Monmouth, Independence, and parts of South and West Salem): Evans is the incumbent in House District 20, but we still expect this race to be close. As a community college professor, Evans is vocal advocate for higher education. Volunteer or donate here.
Wlnsley Campos for House District 28 (Beaverton and Aloha): Campos is running to fill the seat vacated by Representative Jeff Barker. Volunteer or donate here.
Zach Hudson for House District 49 (Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village, and Troutdale): Hudson is running to fill the seat vacated by Representative Chris Gorsek as he runs for Senate District 25. As a school teacher and OEA member, we can count on Hudson to be a strong voice for working families and our schools. Volunteer or donate here.