John Wasielewski
Candidate for:
State Representative - HD 38
What drives me to seek an elected position
I have always been drawn to a life of public service; it is the very reason I chose to become a teacher. Serving my community, particularly our young people, has been the most meaningful and impactful endeavor of my life. However, seeing the challenges my students face every day, challenges rooted in systemic underfunding and policy gaps, has made it clear that the classroom cannot be the only place where I fight for their future. I am seeking this elected position to have a broader impact on our community and to dedicate myself to the urgent work of uplifting and supporting our children.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
Modernize Special Education Funding: For too long, Oregon has operated under an outdated funding cap that ignores the reality of our classrooms. I will champion the revival of the Special Education (SPED) cap bill to raise the funding threshold from 11% to 15%. This is a critical necessity to ensure our schools finally have the resources required to meet federal disability laws and provide every student with the specialized support they deserve, without diverting vital funds away from other students and programs.
Protecting Communities from Overreach: I will stand firmly against the overreach of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and advocate for aggressive state actions to protect our residents. Furthermore, I will fight to pass a ban on the deployment of chemical irritants within 1,000 feet of apartments, low-income housing and schools.
Oversight of AI Data Center Expansion: As the digital landscape shifts, I will fight for rigorous oversight of AI-driven data centers to ensure their expansion does not come at the cost of Oregon’s natural resources. We must demand transparency regarding water and energy consumption to protect our power grid and communities from unchecked growth.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
As a middle school civics teacher, I am on the front lines of our democracy every day. My classroom is a microcosm of the challenges facing our state, and my profession has prepared me for the legislature better than any other career could. To be an effective teacher, one must possess a relentless commitment to collaboration, deep empathy and creative problem-solving.
In the classroom, you cannot walk away when things get difficult; you must find ways to build consensus, bridge differences and ensure every student has the tools to succeed. Teachers are the ultimate pragmatists, we are consistently asked to achieve the impossible with dwindling resources. I am no stranger to long hours and hard work.
I am running because I want to bring this classroom-tested grit to the Capitol. Our legislature needs people who truly understand the weight of public service. It isn’t about glitz, glamour or power; it is about the hard work, long hours and relentless advocacy required to move our state forward. I am ready to put in that work to deliver real results for Oregon families. I don’t just teach the mechanics of government, I live the values of public service every day, and I am prepared to put that experience to work for you.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
Being a Democrat in Multnomah County means organizing with purpose in the face of daunting challenges. It means standing as an unwavering advocate for working families, those experiencing homelessness and neighbors struggling with substance use disorders. It means having the courage to confront powerful vested interests to ensure our community grows stronger and more equitable for everyone, not just a privileged few.
To me, this work is about a deep-rooted dedication to our shared values, ensuring that the way we live and the policies we pass are centered on human dignity, social justice and the unique culture that defines our region. It is about turning our progressive ideals into actionable results that protect the vulnerable and uplift the voices that have been ignored for too long.