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Oregon State House District 50

The State Senate and House of Representatives are responsible for making or changing laws and passing a state budget. Sixty representatives serve in the House. The sizes of districts are based on the number of people living there. The Oregon Legislature meets for a long session in odd-numbered years and a short session in even-numbered years. To qualify as a candidate for the Oregon State House of Representatives, a person must be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, a resident of the district for at least 1 year prior to the General Election, and age 21 or older. The salary is $35,052 plus a per-diem stipend.Term: 2 years. This is a partisan position.

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  • Candidate picture

    Paul Drechsler
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Ricki Ruiz
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?

Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to perform state and congressional redistricting, and why?

Would you support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?

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Town Where You Live Gresham
Your Experience/Qualifications Community Services Coordinator; State Representative, Joint Taskforce on Addressing Racial Disparities in Home Ownership, Member - Oregon Hunger Task Force Member; Reynolds School Board Director
County Multnomah
Term 2024
Term Expires 2026
As your State Rep, I'm committed to tackling climate change with common sense and innovation. Let's find ways to create jobs with renewable energy, foster a thriving business environment, and cut emissions without burdening our businesses. Energy efficiency saves money and reduces waste, benefiting all Oregonians. Let's prioritize fairness and engage with communities most impacted by pollution. Together, with pragmatic leadership and innovative solutions, we'll build a brighter, more sustainable future for Oregon.
As someone who supported the new districts in 2021, I value the collaborative effort behind crafting our current electoral boundaries. While I support this work, I also see the need for ongoing reform to strengthen our democracy. That's why I advocate for an independent redistricting commission to oversee future efforts. Independent oversight enhances transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring electoral boundaries prioritize all Oregonians' interests. Establishing such a commission is a proactive step to safeguard the integrity of our electoral system and empower Oregonians for generations to come
I support lowering the state legislature's quorum requirement to 50% of its members. We must prioritize constituents' interests and commit to addressing pressing issues. Lowering the quorum sends a clear message: legislative participation is fundamental. It prevents disruptive walkouts and strengthens democracy. Despite partisan divides, we must work together to serve Oregonians. This aligns with the intent that Oregonians had when they approved Measure 113 in 2022, and aligns our constitution to most states, promoting accountability and effectiveness. Let's put walkouts aside and do the work Oregonians elected us to do.