Mari Watanabe
Candidate for:
State Representative - HD 34
What drives me to seek an elected position
I am seeking re-election to House District 34 because I’m motivated by the opportunity to help shape practical solutions to the challenges our communities are facing. In my work across the nonprofit and public sectors, including with Partners in Diversity and on the Portland Community College Board, I’ve seen how policy decisions directly affect people’s ability to access opportunity, stability and support.
I’m seeking this role to help ensure that decisions made at the state level reflect the realities of the people I serve. That includes students working to complete their education, families navigating affordability challenges and workers seeking stable, well-paying jobs.
I take a collaborative approach to problem-solving and believe progress comes from listening carefully, working across perspectives and focusing on solutions that are practical and sustainable.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
My first priority is supporting a state budget that protects and strengthens core public services, particularly education, healthcare and services for vulnerable communities. This includes working toward stable and sustainable funding for public education, including the Quality Education Model, and ensuring resources are directed to public schools. I also recognize the need to consider long-term sustainability and responsible revenue options.
Second, I will focus on workforce development and education. Through my experience on the Portland Community College Board and my work with Partners in Diversity, I’ve seen how closely education and workforce needs are connected. Supporting K-12 schools, community colleges and clear pathways to good-paying jobs is critical for both individuals and our regional economy.
Third, I will prioritize housing affordability. This includes supporting strategies that increase housing supply while maintaining Oregon’s land use protections and addressing the needs of low- and middle-income families.
These priorities align with Democratic values in Multnomah County by advancing equity, investing in public education as a public good, supporting working families and ensuring government is responsive to the needs of our communities.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I bring experience working across sectors, including nonprofit leadership, workforce development and public service. My work with Partners in Diversity has focused on understanding barriers to hiring and retention and supporting organizations in building more inclusive workplaces.
In addition, my service on the Portland Community College Board has provided insight into how education systems operate and the challenges students and institutions face, particularly for those balancing work, school and family responsibilities.
These experiences have shaped a practical approach to policymaking. I tend to focus on how policies are implemented, how they affect people day to day and how we can improve outcomes over time. I value collaboration and believe effective policy comes from engaging with a broad range of perspectives.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
Being a Democrat in Multnomah County means a commitment to equity, inclusion and opportunity, along with a responsibility to translate those values into effective policy. It means recognizing the diversity of our communities and ensuring that decisions reflect a broad range of experiences.
It also means focusing on practical solutions to complex challenges. Issues like housing affordability, education and economic stability require thoughtful approaches that balance immediate needs with long-term outcomes.
I see it as a responsibility to listen, to engage respectfully with different perspectives and to work toward policies that improve quality of life across our communities. It also means supporting systems that allow people to participate fully in civic life and ensuring that the government is responsive and accountable. Ultimately, it is about building communities where people feel supported and have access to opportunity.