Forest (Fora) Alexander
Candidate for:
Governor
What drives me to seek an elected position
I believe our current system is failing more of us every day. As our federal government becomes more hostile, it is clear we must codify and protect our rights at the state level. As our federal partners become increasingly unreliable, affecting funds for our biggest challenges like education, healthcare and infrastructure, it is crucial we balance our books. That means progressive income tax reform, that means shifting business taxes from gross activity to profit, and it means lowering taxes for our poorest workers. Our current leadership is content blaming all our decades-long problems on a rogue president, as if homelessness and poverty wages fell from the sky on January 2025. Our current governor bailed on our Equal Rights Amendment campaign, tried to kill Pre-K for all, appointed a transphobe to her prosperity council and has completely ignored the ongoing food stamps crisis (70+% reduction for many people). She is content flying around on private planes with donors while the people of Oregon coordinate grocery runs and legal aid for our neighbors. We need someone in charge with the clarity of mind and lived experience necessary to ensure all Oregonians have a safe place to call home.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
Affordability, Transparency, Equity.
By passing a progressive income tax bill which eliminates state income tax for those making up to $50,000 and creating new brackets for our highest earners, we can tackle affordability and revenue reform in a single package. People are already working hard at their jobs, by lowering their marginal tax rate or eliminating it for bottom earners, we keep more money in the pockets of the very people who stimulate our economy.
I will perform an audit within the first six months of my term and set a goal for all departments to spend at least 60% of their budgets on tangible, direct services for Oregonians. People need to see the results of their tax dollars in their neighborhoods.
I will center Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+ and working class voices in decision-making processes by elevating them to positions of leadership, integrating frameworks of restorative justice, reparations and decolonization, and by advocating in my role as Governor for speedy implementation of policies.
I am not running because I believe I have all the answers, in fact it is because I know I don’t. I am running because the halls of power belong to all of us.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I believe my experiences as a field organizer, field director, campaign manager or political director are what others may see as relevant to this position. Or my time as a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Austin, TX (2018-2021), where I advocated for ideas like universal basic electricity, a comprehensive climate agenda, decriminalization of sex work and reducing Austin Police Department’s budget in the wake up of the 2020 Rebellions.
But I personally believe my experiences as a trans woman navigating Oregon Health Plan, food stamps, eviction assistance, mental health crises (for myself and others) and actively choosing to believe in a brighter future for us all might be my most qualifying feature. I believe having the foresight to leave Texas in 2020 because I understood surviving long enough to keep fighting was more important than being comfortable is another. I believe my ability to have difficult conversations, sit with people in the hardest moments and move through hostility with grace are others.
Ultimately, I believe I am qualified because I am just like any other Oregonian. I firmly believe public office is public service, not a career path.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
I love Multnomah. Texans are not quick to claim another home, our state pride has a national reputation for a reason. I had often heard from friends that I had a “West Coast vibe” and it wasn’t until my first visit to Portland in 2016 that I understood. I feel understood here. And I feel grateful that comfort extends to Astoria and Pendleton alike. People are kinder here to trans people than I’ve generally experienced.
Being a Democrat, on the other hand, has always felt like a mixed bag. Despite my efforts for candidates like, Beto, Greg Casar, Bernie Sanders, AOC, Heidi Sloan, Lesly Muñoz and others, the Party has lost touch overall. Time and time again voters show us darting to the center is not what they want. Progressive policies, strong values and economic justice continue to garner more support. While Oregon tends to grab progressive headlines, we continue to fall behind on tangible gains. Wages have stagnated, houselessness has increased and hiring has slowed.
If trickle down, corporatism, centrism or chasing headlines worked, our problems would’ve been solved a long time ago.
I am proud of Multnomah County Dems for always pushing for progress. Keep it up.