Kayse Jama
Candidate for:
State Senator - SD 24
What drives me to seek an elected position
I am seeking my second full term as the State Senator for Senate District 24 (Outer East Portland and North Clackamas County) because I believe Oregon needs strong, progressive leadership that centers the needs of its historically underserved communities. As a former refugee and Oregon’s first Somali legislator, I understand the unique challenges facing the immigrant-dense communities of East Portland. I have over 25 years of community organizing experience in the East Portland and rural Clackamas County, including founding the Center for Intercultural Organizing. I’m committed to bringing my on-the-ground experience to Salem and ensuring that the state centers the voices of impacted communities in the policymaking process.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
My top priorities in office are creating affordability and opportunity for all, strengthening Oregon’s education system and protecting our democracy. As a former refugee and community organizer, I prioritize economic investment that reaches every Oregonian. We need to bring down the cost of basic goods and protect services that support low-income families. This means evaluating our tax code to ensure that we fairly balance the tax burden and provide quality social services. I’m also a parent of two kids at David Douglas High School; I know that a strong economy begins with a fully funded education and workforce development system. Finally, I’m deeply concerned with recent attacks on our democracy and am committed to protecting every Oregonians’ civil liberties. I share the serious concerns regarding the state of global and national democratic decline outlined in the Multnomah County Democratic platform, and I am committed to protecting the rights of at-risk communities. That includes providing legal services to our immigrant and refugee community, codifying LGBTQ+ rights and protecting reproductive care against federal attacks.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I’m a community organizer, long-time non-profit leader and working-class Oregonian who has worked directly with the most underserved communities here in East Multnomah County. My lived experience as a former refugee has taught me how to build bridges and organize power among working people, across cultural and racial differences. My approach to policymaking is collaborative. I know I do not have all the answers; I have learned to lead by listening and empower impacted communities to lead on the policy solutions they’ve been developing for decades. I also have extensive experience in the Oregon Legislature, where I’ve served as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing and Development and led the Democratic Caucus as Senate Majority Leader. During my time in Salem, I’ve been a fierce advocate for the diverse, working-class communities of East Portland and have helped bring millions of dollars in housing and cultural service investments to our communities.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
Being a Democrat in Multnomah County means being part of a political community that leads with empathy and radical acceptance. It means dedicating one’s time and energy to collective organizing that empowers groups who have historically been denied access to the political process. I am committed to building a future where everyone in Multnomah County has access to housing, healthcare, a quality education and the freedom to be who they are.