Tristan Sheppard
Candidate for:
Governor
What drives me to seek an elected position
I’m running because I believe public service should be grounded in accountability, real-world experience and a commitment to the people we serve—not politics for its own sake.
In my work in emergency services and public safety education, I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions affect people’s lives in real time. Whether it’s access to resources, public safety or the rising cost of living, these issues aren’t abstract—they impact families, workers and communities every day.
That perspective is also personal—I’ve experienced housing instability and seen the impact of mental health challenges within my own family.
I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who believes in doing the job, being present and being accountable for results. I’ve also seen how disconnected government can feel from the people it’s meant to serve, especially in rural communities like the one I grew up in.
I’m seeking this position to help restore trust, improve transparency and ensure that government works for all Oregonians—urban and rural alike. That means listening, making practical decisions and following through.
At the end of the day, I’m running because I care about this state, the people in it and the future we’re building together.
For me, this isn’t about politics—it’s about service…
The first three priorities or issues I want to tackle
My first priority is improving access to mental health and addiction services. Too often, people only receive help once they’re already in crisis—I’ve seen that firsthand. I support expanding early intervention, strengthening partnerships between emergency services and treatment providers and ensuring communities have resources that meet people where they are. This aligns with the goal of treating mental health as a public health issue, not just a criminal one.
Second is addressing housing affordability and stability. That includes increasing housing supply, supporting pathways into stable housing and working with both renters and landlords to create practical, balanced solutions. Housing policy must focus on real outcomes—keeping people housed and preventing homelessness before it starts.
Third is restoring accountability and trust in government. Oregonians deserve transparency and measurable results for the taxes they pay. I support clearer oversight, better coordination between agencies and ensuring programs are evaluated based on what actually works.
These priorities reflect a shared goal: stronger communities, equitable access to resources and systems that deliver real results for the people they are meant to serve.
The experiences and insights I will bring to the office
I bring a real-world perspective shaped by years in emergency services, where decisions have immediate consequences and people rely on you to get it right. I’ve spent my career responding to high-pressure situations, assessing problems quickly and taking responsibility for the outcome.
I also bring experience in public safety education, working directly with communities to prevent emergencies before they happen. This has shown me how communication, trust and early intervention can make a real difference.
My perspective is also shaped by lived experience. I’ve faced housing instability, grew up in a single-parent household, and I have seen the impact of mental health challenges within my own family. That gives me a clear understanding of how policy affects people’s lives beyond theory.
Growing up in a rural community east of the Cascades, and working across Oregon, I understand both rural and urban challenges. I’m not a career politician—I’m focused on accountability, practical solutions and results.
What being a Democrat in Multnomah County means to me
To me, being a Democrat means a commitment to building communities where people have real access to opportunity, support and a fair system that works for everyone. That includes values like equity, equality, respect for individual dignity and treating people with fairness, while also focusing on practical solutions that improve people’s day-to-day lives.
In Multnomah County, those values are reflected in a strong focus on housing, mental health and economic inequality. I respect that focus, and I believe it’s important that policies in these areas deliver measurable results for the people they are intended to serve.
I believe being a Democrat means listening to a wide range of voices, being willing to have difficult conversations and staying focused on outcomes rather than ideology. It’s about ensuring that our systems are both compassionate and accountable, and that they work for communities across Oregon—urban and rural alike.