Matthew Favro
Candidate for:
State Senator - SD 26
What drives me to seek an elected position
I am running because Oregonians need real change that simply isn’t happening. I’ve watched electricity rates rise and rent increase after increase, making it harder people to get by. These essentials are slipping out of reach for too many. This past year has also shown the urgent need to protect our natural resources, especially water, as drought warnings become routine. Every community deserves clean, reliable water for generations to come. I’m also frustrated to see tax dollars spent on corporate projects, like the Moda Center and tax breaks for data centers, while regular people struggle. These choices show misplaced priorities and a government too focused on big business instead of everyday Oregonians. I want to bring the perspective of someone who faces these challenges and work for practical solutions that truly improve life for everyone in our state.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
If elected, my top three goals are to strengthen data center regulations, protect Oregon’s natural resources and reduce the cost of living for everyday people. Data centers have driven up utility rates and strained our water supply, all while receiving tax breaks that shift the burden onto residents. We must prevent utilities from raising rates due to corporate demand, safeguard our fresh water from overuse and end unnecessary tax cuts for corporations. Oregonians shouldn’t have to cover the costs when big businesses benefit.
Preserving our natural resources means defending the health of people and wildlife and ensuring Oregon’s rivers, lakes and forests continue to support communities and recreation. These are not assets for exploitation, but essential to our state’s identity and future prosperity.
To address the cost of living, I will advance stronger renter protections and work to make housing truly affordable. Limiting rent increases to 10% per year isn’t enough; we should tie rents to home value and property taxes, preventing relentless hikes. I also support taxing owners of hundreds of homes to fund down payment assistance for first-time buyers.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I am someone that is from the work class. I try my best to raise my children and support my family. I have also lived in big cities and very remote towns. My experiences have helped me see how these two worlds are vastly different with their needs.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
I do not live in Multnomah County, but I do work there. It is a nice feeling of acceptance while at work knowing that people are more open minded than more Republican dominated places. The No Kings protest are always great to see and I give them my support. It is nice to see these attitudes start spreading to neighboring counties.
Note: Part of HD 52 includes Multnomah County