Maxine Dexter
Candidate for:
US Representative - OR District 3
What drives me to seek an elected position
I am running for reelection to continue fighting to make life more affordable while increasing opportunity for our working families, to safeguard our communities from Trump’s cruel immigration agenda, end government corruption and guarantee affordable healthcare for all in Multnomah County and beyond.
I cared for the people of Multnomah County for over 15 years as a physician. I have heard from them and seen the challenges our working people face and the ways in which the system has failed them. I am running because we need to enact progressive solutions that drive meaningful results.
Furthermore, we cannot let the fascist takeover of our government succeed. I am dedicated to fighting corruption and authoritarianism in DC, compassionately listening to Multnomah County communities impacted to understand their needs and courageously leading to get things done. My campaign and my work continue to be motivated by my commitment to ensuring everyone has the ability to lead a healthy, fulfilling and safe life in the community of their choice.
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
My top three priorities are to impeach Donald Trump, dismantle ICE with real immigration reform and immediately improve the quality of American lives, focusing on establishing healthcare for all. This administration is systematically destroying our human and civil rights. We must reaffirm and enforce restrictions on presidential powers and put an end to Trump’s waging of an unconstitutional war in Iran. We must impeach Trump, win back the majority in Congress and begin to heal the wounds that his administration has gouged into our country.
We must abolish and completely dismantle ICE. People are afraid to leave their homes to buy groceries, seek healthcare, or go to work. Small businesses that once thrived are struggling to stay open because of the fear and disruption ICE enforcement creates. ICE is terrorizing this country, and they must be stopped.
I will continue fighting to secure affordable healthcare, housing, food and energy for the people of Multnomah County. These things are crucial to ensuring a stable and sustainable quality of life for anyone who works hard and plays by the rules.
Thanks to what I have heard from my numerous town halls and from communication with my constituents, the priorities listed above directly reflect the desires of Multnomah County.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
As a physician for over two decades, I listened closely, analyzed data and transformed complex information into actionable plans. I have a proven record of legislative success at the state and federal level. During my first term in DC, I have so far introduced twelve pieces of legislation, and I was the only freshman Democrat this Congress to have a bill become law. I have the experience, the passion and the willingness to work bipartisanly that is essential for driving meaningful change in Congress. With over 40 town halls and robust constituent services, I have proven my commitment to listening to the people of OR3.
Furthermore, I show up for my constituents. When our community members are kidnapped by ICE, I go to the detention centers myself to get them out. Since Republicans cut healthcare for millions of Americans, I have been fighting relentlessly to not just get it back, but to guarantee it for all. I’ve worked with County leaders to fund projects totaling millions of dollars throughout the region, and our Youth Advisory Council includes several Multnomah County high school students whose perspectives are being centered in my office’s work. I bring to Multnomah County my experience in the legislative process and my dedication to leading with courage and compassion.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
My husband and I moved to Multnomah County almost 20 years ago. We raised both of our children here, and for 15 years I cared for the people of Multnomah County as a physician. I know the challenges our working people face and I was honored to have supported and cared for them through some of the hardest times in their lives.
Since day one, building strong, genuine community-based connections has been a top priority of mine. With the persistence of Trump’s inhumane immigration agenda, the need for close collaboration with community-based organizations, groups and leaders is urgent. My office maintains regular meetings with the leaders of the Oregon For All Coalition, such as PIRC, Latino Network, Innovation Law Lab, APANO, the Oregon Food Bank and local youth and elected leaders, sharing crucial information of what we are hearing on the ground to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
I am dedicated to maintaining and growing these grassroots connections to help safeguard our community. I have made it a priority to connect with local businesses and leaders to collaborate on issues and find pragmatic solutions together. I approach these relationships with an open willingness to learn from the unique perspectives that come with them. My door is always open.