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Maxine Dexter
2025 - Present
2027
0
Maxine Dexter (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2025. Her current term ends on January 3, 2027.
Dexter (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Biography
Maxine Dexter was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1972.[1] She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and communications from the University of Washington in January 1997 and an M.D. from the University of Washington in January 2001. Dexter's experience includes working as a physician. She is triple-boarded in internal medicine, pulmonology, and critical care medicine. Dexter has served as a member of the Oregon Medical Association and as a trustee of the Tualatin Hills Park Foundation.[2] Dexter served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2020 to 2024.[1]
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2025-2026
Dexter was assigned to the following committees:[Source]
- House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
- Health
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Federal Lands
- Oversight and Investigations
Elections
2026
See also: Oregon's 3rd Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Oregon District 3
Incumbent Maxine Dexter is running in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Maxine Dexter (D) | |
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Oregon's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
Oregon's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Democratic primary)
Oregon's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Oregon District 3
Maxine Dexter defeated Joanna Harbour, David Walker, Joe Meyer, and David Frosch in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter (D) | 67.7 | 226,405 |
 | Joanna Harbour (R) | 25.2 | 84,344 | |
 | David Walker (Independent Party / Progressive Party) | 3.1 | 10,245 | |
 | Joe Meyer (Pacific Green Party) | 3.0 | 10,106 | |
 | David Frosch () | 0.7 | 2,459 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 810 | ||
| Total votes: 334,369 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter | 47.3 | 47,254 |
 | Susheela Jayapal | 32.8 | 32,793 | |
 | Eddy Morales | 13.4 | 13,391 | |
 | Michael Jonas | 2.4 | 2,359 | |
 | Nolan Bylenga | 2.1 | 2,138 | |
 | Rachel Rand | 0.9 | 856 | |
 | Ricky Barajas | 0.6 | 649 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 430 | ||
| Total votes: 99,870 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jeremiah Campion (D)
- Theodore Gwynn (D)
- Earl Blumenauer (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3
Joanna Harbour defeated Gary Dye and Teresa Orwig in the Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joanna Harbour | 55.0 | 13,948 |
 | Gary Dye | 27.1 | 6,869 | |
 | Teresa Orwig | 17.0 | 4,303 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.0 | 258 | ||
| Total votes: 25,378 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Dexter in this election.
2022
See also: Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Maxine Dexter defeated Stan Baumhofer in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter (D / Working Families Party) | 84.8 | 26,154 |
| Stan Baumhofer (R) | 15.1 | 4,651 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 30 | ||
| Total votes: 30,835 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Maxine Dexter advanced from the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter | 99.4 | 9,021 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.6 | 50 | ||
| Total votes: 9,071 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Stan Baumhofer advanced from the Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Stan Baumhofer | 98.9 | 878 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.1 | 10 | ||
| Total votes: 888 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Dexter's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
2020
See also: Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Maxine Dexter defeated Dick Courter in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter (D / Working Families Party) | 75.6 | 33,707 |
| Dick Courter (R) | 24.2 | 10,796 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 59 | ||
| Total votes: 44,562 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Maxine Dexter defeated Christina Stephenson, Serin Bussell, and Andy Saultz in the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on May 19, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Maxine Dexter | 39.6 | 5,483 |
 | Christina Stephenson | 28.4 | 3,938 | |
| Serin Bussell | 16.5 | 2,280 | ||
| Andy Saultz | 15.4 | 2,134 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 23 | ||
| Total votes: 13,858 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33
Dick Courter advanced from the Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 33 on May 19, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Dick Courter | 98.0 | 2,976 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 2.0 | 61 | ||
| Total votes: 3,037 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
Maxine Dexter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dexter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Raised in a working-class family, I was the first in my family to graduate college and become a respected physician caring for Oregon's 3rd Congressional District as a working mom. With a proven track record of hard work, compassionate care and courageous policymaking, I'm ready to make a broader impact in Congress on day one.
- As a physician and state representative, I know how to listen, find the root cause, and solve problems and that's what I'll continue doing in Washington: I will listen, lead, and work to get things done for the people of Oregon.
- I’ve led the fight to pass large-scale, progressive legislation with bipartisan support: from securing historic housing investments, to improving public safety, expanding abortion rights, protecting the environment, increasing addiction treatment, and closing firearm law loopholes.
In our State Legislature, I was a driving force behind the most historic investments in housing our state has ever seen. Because we listened to Oregonians and leaders across all levels of government and worked with our colleagues to find common ground, our state now has the tools to: build more housing, with workers and materials from here in Oregon, and invest in immediate emergency shelters.
As a legislator, I’ve centered the needs of my constituents and focused on delivering people-focused community services and casework while leading on the policies our district is calling for, like capping the cost of insulin and investing over $300 million to expand shelter capacity and build new housing.
Senator Tom McCall and his bipartisan and collaborative and leadership style became the “Oregon Way.” I’ve worked diligently to follow his lead, roll up my sleeves, and get the work done.
In the legislature, I have been able to pass progressive legislation through my commitment to listening broadly and intentionally to as many sides of the issue as possible that then leads to being able to garner bipartisan support. From back-to-back historic housing packages in 2023 and 2024 to 2023’s comprehensive opioid harm reduction package. I have already proven an ability to listen, lead, and get things done and will have the experience and the ability to have an impact, even as a freshman.
As a physician, I hope to utilize my experience in the exam room and passing healthcare reform in Oregon on the Energy and Commerce which oversees the health sector and large swaths of climate policy.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Dexter’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
ADDRESS OUR HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION CRISIS Housing and Homelessness My Values Safe housing should be a fundamental right, and it pains me to witness the harsh reality of many Oregonians living on the streets. As a critical care physician, I engage directly with houseless individuals who wind up in the intensive care unit, incredibly sick due to exposure and lack of care and services. As a physician caring for people at all income and insurance levels for over 20 years, I have a deep understanding of the additional complexity when housing insecurity intersects with mental illness and addiction. The housing situation in Oregon has reached a critical point, demanding urgent and decisive action from all levels of government. What I’ve Done I chaired the Oregon House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Homelessness in 2023 and 2024 and led the legislature’s efforts to address Oregon's housing and homelessness crises. In 2023, we passed a historic $200 million investment in Oregon's housing future within an unprecedented 60 days. Among many other priorities, this package allocated millions of dollars to provide homeless youth and families with shelter and housing. It also supported innovative, Oregon-based modular housing development to begin building units here at home. This year, I also helped lead the passage of another $376 million housing package which will fund homeless shelters, support renters, build critical infrastructure, and boost housing production. I also fought to protect senior citizens and those living in publicly supported housing from massive rent hikes and displacement. In addition, I negotiated changes to Oregon’s 50-year-old land use laws, making sure we continue to protect forests, farms, and natural resources while also facilitating housing development. I led investments in additional housing for college students and farmworkers. And I helped strengthen Oregon's first-in-the-nation rent stabilization law to keep families housed and communities stable amidst rising housing costs. How I’ll Lead ● Invest in new, affordable housing development and expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF). ● Incentivize the development of new and innovative types of affordable housing with federal grants and incentives. ● Invest in new green construction technologies to make Oregon a leader in the research, development, and production of emerging, environmentally friendly construction technology. ● Support renters with rental assistance as well as down payment assistance for struggling families to purchase their first home. Addiction and Mental Health The addiction and mental health crises are public health crises. I myself grew up feeling the impact of a family who struggled with their mental health. For over 20 years I have treated people admitted to the intensive care unit after suicide attempts. It is heartbreaking to see people who have lost all hope but it is rewarding when we can help them get both immediate care and access to ongoing treatment. Unfortunately, our ability to get people into mental health facilities and care is far too challenging. Rates of depression and suicide are going up, and this is a deadly combination with the much more potent illicitly manufactured fentanyl people often use to self-medicate their despair. We must take decisive steps. First, we must make substance use disorder treatment accessible and affordable. We also need to destigmatize seeking mental health and substance use disorder care. It is also critical that we address the root causes, not just the symptoms of addiction. Finally, mental health and behavioral health resources for youth must be readily available in our schools and communities. What I’ve Done In 2022 I took care of a young person in the ICU who had unintentionally overdosed on what they thought was an Oxycontin pain pill but turned out to be counterfeit, laced with illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Friends at a party thought my patient was just asleep when they actually were dying. I worked all night to save this young person’s life, but their brain never woke up. I was the one who had to give their mother, friends and extended family the heart-breaking news. I realized this was a tragedy that could happen to anyone’s children, even my own. I had to take action. In preparation for the 2023 legislative session, I brought together a broad, bipartisan coalition and championed the Opioid Harm Reduction Package, which made life-saving antidotes like naloxone more widely available to combat opioid overdoses. I also helped secure investments to better fund treatment programs and mental health services. I listened to our community and helped pass changes to Measure 110 in the 2024 session to keep our communities safe from public drug use and to help get more people into treatment. I firmly believe addiction is a public health issue. We have our work cut out for us. How I’ll Lead ● Bring in federal investments to expand the number of detox beds and drug treatment programs. ● Dramatically increase access to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for Oregonians, including those incarcerated who continue to be denied access to constitutionally required care. ● Advocate for comprehensive criminal justice reform, prioritizing effective treatment over punishment. ● Invest in mental and behavioral health resources in schools, communities, and our justice system. ● Close the de minimis loophole to allow our government to crack down on fentanyl imports and curb the supply chain of drugs by international drug cartels. ENSURE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES Fight for Universal, Affordable Healthcare and Stand Up to Big Pharma As a pulmonary and critical care physician, I've spent over two decades caring for the sickest members of our community. Every day, I witness the impact that limited access to care has on my patients and on our community as a whole. Our current healthcare system prioritizes treating illness rather than preventing it. I’m committed to making sure we do both and we do it at a cost people can afford. Central to my vision is that every Oregonian, no matter where they live, has easy access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. This will take innovative approaches to providing care, meeting people where their needs are, and making sure we build a workforce that is able to practice medicine without unnecessary barriers that limit face-to-face time with patients. We must work toward the goal of adopting a single-payer model, and it must include comprehensive behavioral health, vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. What I’ve Done In the Oregon legislature, I have persistently led in healthcare innovation. I have championed improved access to telemedicine, dental and behavioral healthcare; modernization of our public health system; expansion of school-based health centers; upstream investments in housing, food and climate resilience to prevent illness and disease; true value-based payment models that will get rid of our fee-for-service payment system; pharmacy benefit manager regulation and reform; investments in loan repayment for rural health providers; health system reform that incentivizes patient-centered care; a cap on the price of insulin; and expansion of Medicaid benefits to Oregonians, regardless of immigration status. How I’ll Lead ● Pass legislation to ensure every American has access to high-quality, affordable health care with the ultimate goal of a single-payer model. ● Make sure every American has access to safe, affordable medications. ● Innovate how we attract, train and retain healthcare professionals, making sure we have a workforce that meets the needs of our communities. ● Rigorously regulate pharmacy benefit managers and private equity investors in our healthcare system. ● Improve access to medication, healthy food, and healthcare for older Americans and those with disabilities. Fight Climate Change and Protect our Environment As a parent, I know many of our children are plagued by anxiety about their future and the future of our planet. As a lung and critical care physician, I witness the direct impact of climate change and poor air quality on people's health every day. In Oregon, where heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and cancer rank among the top five causes of death, the correlation between air pollution and these diseases is undeniable. I will champion a swift transition to 100% renewable energy sources to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels. This shift is crucial, especially for our socially and economically disadvantaged communities who bear the brunt of climate change's adverse health impacts. By addressing climate pollution, we simultaneously tackle health disparities, creating a healthier, more equitable future for all Oregonians. What I’ve done I passed budgets that allow the Department of Environmental Quality to implement the Climate Protection Program to require Oregon utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050. I’ve passed legislation that makes buildings more energy-efficient to further reduce emissions. I've fought for the Healthy Heating and Cooling for All initiative and the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work, both of which will prioritize low-income communities and outdoor workers to prevent heat wave deaths. I championed the bipartisan Drought Resilience and Water Security package which secured over $100 million to mitigate the impact of drought on tribes, families, and local farms. I also championed one of the nation’s pioneering Right to Repair laws, empowering Oregonians to repair their devices, reducing waste, and ensuring companies are held accountable. How I’ll Lead
Protect and Expand Reproductive Rights I have experienced myself how affordable access to birth control and reproductive care are critical to our ability to create a secure future for ourselves and our families. As a physician, I know how personal these discussions and decisions are, and I know that they are best made by patients and their doctors – not politicians. MAGA extremists are attacking our fundamental rights in every way they can. We need leaders who understand the danger to our health – and to our democracy - that can result from being forced to cede control of our bodies to others and who are passionate about protecting reproductive rights. As a woman and a physician I am uniquely able to lead on this issue and as a mother I am determined to protect the rights of my children. Everyone must have the right to control their own bodies. What I’ve Done As abortion rights came under attack nationwide, I was proud to champion legislation that further cemented Oregon as a beacon of reproductive freedom. While in the legislature, I supported a bill to protect doctors and medical professionals from persecution and prosecution for providing abortions or gender-affirming care, including prohibiting the Oregon courts from working with other jurisdictions to impede individuals receiving or providing abortion care. How I’ll Lead ● Protect access to abortion and reproductive healthcare across our nation through legislative action. ● Expand teaching programs that train clinicians to provide abortion and reproductive healthcare. Gun Violence Prevention I have been a Moms Demand Action volunteer and am proud to be the only candidate in this race for CD3 with the Everytown for Gun Safety endorsement. As a mother, I've experienced the overwhelming fear of being unable to reach my daughter who was in lockdown for over 12 hours during a mass shooting incident on the University of Virginia campus on November 13, 2022. As a healthcare professional, I've witnessed the heartbreaking impact of gun violence on families and communities. As a physician leader I have served on state and national gun violence prevention task forces, and I recognize that this issue goes beyond mere policy: it deeply affects people's lives. What I’ve Done Since entering the legislature, I have been an effective advocate for common sense gun reform to protect our children, families, teachers, and neighbors. I fought to make Oregon the ninth state in the nation to ban non-serialized and undetectable ghost guns that are used by gun traffickers and people legally prohibited from buying firearms. I also fought to pass safe storage legislation which requires gun owners to secure weapons when not in use. Lastly, I have passed $47 million in investments for gun violence prevention. How I’ll Lead ● Expand federal background checks to prevent prohibited individuals from purchasing guns without adequate scrutiny. ● Close the “Charleston loophole” to ensure officials have time to complete background checks. ● Invest in state Red Flag laws, which have proven effective in preventing firearm suicides and mass shootings. ● Establish and invest in community funds to support local violence intervention programs to support those at the highest risk of gun violence. ● Champion legislation to prevent abusers under final restraining orders from having firearms. ● Reauthorize the federal assault weapons ban to keep weapons of war off of our streets. Protecting our LGBTQ+ Community As a college student studying to be a doctor during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, I volunteered at Seattle's Bailey Boushay House, a support haven for those with AIDS, and worked in Dr. Larry Corey’s renowned retroviral lab conducting PCR tests on blood samples from clinical studies. Witnessing first-hand the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, and the life-changing effects of new treatments that transformed AIDS from a death sentence to a chronic condition, I saw how bureaucratic delays in drug approval caused unnecessary loss of life. These experiences underscored the damaging effects of decades-long homophobic policies on our ability to use science to save lives. The resilience and warmth of the clients at Bailey Boushay, despite their isolation and societal marginalization, deeply inspired me. Their acceptance fueled my resolve to champion the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community, especially as transgender individuals face increasing attacks today from politicians. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to promote policies that protect their health and well-being, ensuring access to necessary treatments and advocating for a society that embraces equality and justice for all. What I’ve Done In the legislature, I have been a steadfast champion for the LGBTQ+ community. I passed legislation finally removing the so-called “gay panic” defense from Oregon law, protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from bigoted harm. I protected access to lifesaving gender-affirming care. With LGBTQ+ youth being at significantly increased risk of suicide, I streamlined suicide reporting to prevent harm from spreading in the community and worked to expand access to care in school-based health centers. I expanded access to PEP and PrEP. How I’ll Lead
REBUILD A FAIR ECONOMY FOR ALL High-Quality Schools My Values Growing up in a challenging home environment, wonderful teachers in a high-quality public school system gave me the support and encouragement I needed. My 5th grade teacher, Mr. McLeod, saw something in me, explained to me what college was (I had never heard of it!) and helped me believe I could actually become a doctor. To this day, I am the only one on either side of my family to have graduated from college. I would never have gotten where I am today without a high-quality public education system and affordable higher education. What I’ve Done I've remained steadfastly dedicated to the needs of working families, striving to secure unmatched funding for both K-12 and higher educational institutions. ● Passed a $120 million investment towards improving literacy in 2023. ● Secured $17 million for schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to more kids who need it. ● Passed a $30 million investment in 2024 for summer learning programs. ● Fully funded the $10.2 billion state school fund in 2023 that included $700 million over the current service level to pay for cost-of-living raises. ● Fought for over $200 million for job training and apprenticeships, ensuring our workforce remains strong and competitive. ● Worked to transform childcare services with the establishment of a new state agency dedicated to this cause, facilitating childcare in rental properties and providing record funding. How I’ll Lead ● Advocate for increased Title I funding to address the needs of disadvantaged students and schools. ● Pass legislation guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch to public school students nationwide. ● Invest in universal pre-K across the country. ● Establish tuition-free public community colleges, leading to a publicly funded system, pre-K through grade 14. ● Push for increased IDEA funding, striving for full funding at the promised 40 percent level to support students with disabilities. ● Support federal funding to modernize public school buildings and facilities, ensuring safe and healthy learning environments and improving community resilience hub development. ● Back funding for high-quality career and technical education programs, providing students with diverse pathways to success in the workforce. ● Reinvest in higher education and prioritize making tuition affordable. ● Champion broad-based student loan debt cancellation and refinancing options to alleviate the burden of student debt and support financial stability for graduates. Economic Opportunity As a former UFCW union member and the granddaughter of a Teamster, I personally understand the struggles of the working class. The deck has been stacked against us for far too long. As a physician, I’m reminded of this every day as I see Oregon families grappling with how to afford food, childcare, and the basic necessities. That's why I'm committed to leading the charge for a new era of opportunity and a brighter future for every Oregonian. It's time for Congress to step up and take bold action to expand and support the middle class. What I’ve done I have made historic investments in education, affordable housing, apprenticeships, good union jobs, and childcare. I’ve worked to improve Oregon’s new paid family leave program. I’ve also worked to protect our statewide rent control from inflation. Unlike too many others, I had opportunities growing up in a working class household with affordable housing and high-quality schools. Every Oregonian deserves to have the opportunity I had growing up to create a brighter future for themselves and their family. How I’ll Lead ● Close corporate taxation loopholes and ensure billionaires pay their fair share. ● Work to bring down inflation and the cost of living through strategic investments and accountability for gouging corporations. ● Invest in housing and transportation infrastructure to work toward building dense, walkable communities. ● Increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour, tie it to inflation and eliminate the lower minimum wage that exists for tipped workers. ● Establish housing developments that allow our medically complex, low-income seniors to age in place with the support of their community. ● Pass the PRO Act to protect a worker’s right to unionize and bargain for better working conditions and benefits. ● Enact the nationwide provision of paid family and sick leave for all workers. Protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Securing a Dignified Future for Older Americans I witnessed firsthand the struggles my grandmother faced with diabetes, battling not only her health conditions but also an inadequate healthcare system. This experience profoundly shaped my life. As a physician, I have dedicated my career to treating each of my patients with care and compassion while also paying attention to the social determinants that may be adversely impacting their health. As a lawmaker, I have been steadfast in my commitment to building policies and passing laws that will address the health needs of our seniors. Our aging neighbors should never have to fear the cost of their next prescription or worry whether they can afford safe housing or healthy food. They deserve more than just survival; they deserve to thrive in a community that recognizes and honors their importance as well as their needs. What I’ve done As the Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, I passed a law to make it easier for older Oregonians to homeshare so they can stay in their homes and receive the extra assistance they may need. We also passed legislation to establish the Bill of Rights for LGBTQ+ Older Adult Residents of Long Term and Community-Based Care Facilities to protect those in assisted living and memory care communities. My team has also been running a work group with over 50 members from Oregon discussing policies that are needed to help medically complex, low-income seniors age with dignity and in place in the community that best fits their needs. How I’ll Lead
PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY Voting Rights My Values I believe in the fundamental power of democracy and the imperative of safeguarding every American's right to vote freely and fairly. Our country’s government has the capacity to do great things, and we must protect our governing structures and make our democracy accessible to all. What I’ve Done I have been a staunch defender of democracy in the state legislature. Recognizing threats from MAGA extremists, I'm proud to have passed protections for voters, election workers, and the integrity of our electoral process. I also worked to ensure ballots postmarked prior to the end of an election were counted. Lastly, I’ve worked to hold politicians accountable, eliminating a loophole that allowed certain politicians to conceal their income sources from the public. How I’ll Lead ● End Citizens United, getting big money out of politics. ● Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to ensure every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote. ● Enact the For the People Act to limit the influence of money in policymaking, curb partisan gerrymandering, and create stricter ethical standards for our public officials. ● Expand national vote-by-mail. ● End the electoral college. ● Expand statehood to Washington D.C. FOREIGN POLICY Prioritizing Peace in the Middle East I am horrified by what we’re seeing in Israel and Gaza: A mounting death toll, innocent civilians facing famine and trauma, hostages and displaced civilians separated from their families. As a mother and a physician, I cannot help but see my own kids and patients in these stories. This horrific violence must stop. There will be a long road ahead for so many families seeking to rebuild their lives and homes and we must do everything we can to uplift and support a durable two-state solution. How I’ll Lead ● Support efforts alongside Arab nations, to achieve a long-term, negotiated ceasefire that ensures the release of all hostages, the enduring defeat of Hamas and facilitates security in the region. ● Increase humanitarian support and work to expand the new Mediterranean aid corridor and continue to advocate for critically needed food and medical aid. ● Support maintaining progress for a durable two-state solution. ● Fight against the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim sentiment in Oregon.[3] |
” |
| —Maxine Dexter’s campaign website (2024)[4] | ||
2022
Maxine Dexter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dexter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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She has practiced with Kaiser Permanente Northwest since 2008 as a critical care and pulmonary physician, and served six years on the Northwest Permanente Board of Directors (2.5 years as the first female Chair of the Board in the company's history).
During her first session as a legislator she was a member of the Healthcare and Judiciary Committees, as well as the Chair of the Subcommittee on COVID 19. Her office passed multiple bills, including HB 3037 (streamlined youth suicide reporting), HB 3035 (established a Task Force on Corrections Health Care), and helped create an amendment to HB 2010 (requires the OHA to submit recommendations for the implementation of a regional global budget pilot program). She works diligently with the Environmental Caucus, the Clinicians Caucus and is proud to serve as the Interim Chair of Housing. Her goal is to assure every Oregonian may live a healthy life, in a healthy community, on a healthy planet.- Every Oregonian should have access to affordable, safe housing. As the Interim Housing Chair I will work collaboratively and effectively with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure we do all we can to make that a reality.
- Healthcare is a human right and in Oregon I will work with determination and focus to make sure every person has access to high-quality, affordable care. We must invest in preventive care and robust primary care so that people may maintain health rather than investing in care only when they are sick. Full-spectrum reproductive health care must be available to all - a person should be able to choose when and if they have a child and must have access to affordable birth control as well as safe access to abortion for that to be a reality. Additionally, we must invest in expanding access for everyone to mental health care as well as substance use disorder care.
- Global warming is the biggest threat to society now and into the future and must be addressed effectively and systematically at all levels of government. We cannot wait for other states and countries to take a lead, we must take action to the extent possible at every level to make meaningful change.
Universal Healthcare Access
Reproductive Justice (including maintaining access to safe and legal abortion)
Environment/Climate
Education
Social Justice (including addressing systemic racism)
Supporting Working Families (including expanding access to affordable childcare and union jobs to protect and expand the middle class)
Public Safety
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Maxine Dexter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dexter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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college. I realized her dream of becoming a doctor with the support of my community, a union job and a strong drive to succeed. I am a pulmonary and critical care physician, a mother and a business leader who is running for Oregon HD33 because I believe we all have a right to health, including strong schools, clean air, clean energy, and affordable healthcare and housing for all.
I have practiced with Kaiser Permanente Northwest since 2008, and served six years on the Northwest Permanente Board of Directors (2.5 years as the first female Chair of the
Board in the company's history). I earned my bachelor's in Political Science and Communications from the University of Washington, as well as my Medical Degree. I completed my residency, chief residency and fellowship training at the University of Colorado, where I earned a Certificate in Public Health. I am a member of the Oregon Medical Association, where I serve on the Legislative Committee. I am also an activist for firearm injury prevention who has served on state and national task forces to reduce gun violence.- Healthcare is a human right and I will bring my years of experience in the exam room to achieve universal healthcare in Oregon!
- We need to tackle the existential threat of climate change head on with expansion of green energy, green transportation, and green construction.
- We must continue to invest in equitable public education, including universal preschool. Our public schools must work for all Oregon children.
1. Healthcare reform - I will stay in office until Oregon or the United States as a whole has universal access to affordable, high-quality care including full abortion and family-planning options.
2. Clean air and Clean Energy - We must transition completely off of fossil fuels to clean alternatives. Focusing on clean air and clean energy will bring the change we need to protect our planet and our children's futures.
3. Social inequity reforms - Every policy I sponsor will have the goal of addressing the devastating social, including racial, inequities that are rampant in our country. We need free preschool and affordable job training. Our public schools in our most vulnerable communities need equitable investments. We need criminal justice reform. The rich, including corporations, need to invest disproportionately more than our middle and working class families do. There is too much to do to focus on one policy. My commitment is to lift up and prioritize our working families who are suffering.
Healthcare: I want to be on the healthcare committee to help lead healthcare reform. As a doctor and a former leader of a large and mission-driven healthcare organization, I know this is where I can be most valuable.
Revenue: I want to be on revenue as we need to establish sustainable, progressive revenue reform at the state level that creates reliable funding over time for all core services and programs. I have the business experience and strategic and creative problem-solving skills to be a strong and contributory member from the beginning.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.
Personal finance disclosures
Members of the House are required to file financial disclosure reports. You can search disclosure reports on the House’s official website here.
Below are links to scores and rankings Ballotpedia compiled for members of Congress. We chose analyses that help readers understand how each individual legislator fit into the context of the chamber as a whole in terms of ideology, bill advancement, bipartisanship, and more.
If you would like to suggest an analysis for inclusion in this section, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.
119th Congress (2025-2027)
State legislative tenure
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
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Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Oregon scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
In 2024, the Oregon State Legislature was in session from Februrary 5 to March 7.
- Legislators are scored on bills related to animal issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes related to the environment.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Oregon State Legislature was in session from January 17 to June 25.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Oregon State Legislature was in session from February 1 to March 4.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Oregon State Legislature was in session from January 21 to June 26.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Oregon State Legislature was in session from February 3 to March 5. Special sessions were convened from June 24 to June 26 and on August 10.
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Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023-2024
Dexter was assigned to the following committees:
- Behavioral Health Committee
- Veterans and Emergency Management Committee
- House Housing Committee, Chair
2021-2022
Dexter was assigned to the following committees:
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House Oregon District 3 |
Officeholder U.S. House Oregon District 3 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 United States Congress, "DEXTER, Maxine," accessed August 25, 2025
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 13, 2020
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Maxine Dexter’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 15, 2024
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Earl Blumenauer (D) |
U.S. House Oregon District 3 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by Mitch Greenlick (D) |
Oregon House of Representatives District 33 2020-2024 |
Succeeded by Shannon Isadore (D) |
