Teresa Orwig

Teresa Orwig (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. She lost in the Republican primary on May 21, 2024.

Orwig completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Teresa Orwig was born in Portland, Oregon. She earned a high school diploma from Aloha High School and an associate degree from Clark College in 2006. Her career experience includes working as a registered nurse.^[1]

Elections

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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 334,369
= candidate completed 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

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 99,870
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	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 Orwig in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Teresa Orwig completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Orwig's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud born and raised Oregonian. I raised my son while working my way through nursing school and have been serving our community as a home health nurse since 2007 and customer service prior to that. In the summer of 2020 I, like many Oregonians, started to become alarmed at the direction Oregon and frankly our nation was heading. For the first time I was afraid to visit downtown Portland, walk my dog after dusk and I started to see Portland deteriorate from a beautiful vibrant city to struggling with increased crime, homelessness and graffiti as well as garbage all over the city that in many places still remains today. Current policies were not solving the issues and frankly were part of the problem. I contemplated moving and even visited many other states. I realized though that there was no other place I wanted to be but that something different needed to be done. I am not a career politician! I believe in listening to the concerns of everyday citizens and championing their needs in Congress. My background instills in me a deep sense of responsibility to represent the diverse voices of our community with empathy, understanding and fairness. In Congress, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Oregonians have access to quality healthcare, economic prosperity, and a brighter future. With your trust, we can address the issues that plague our nation and make all Oregonians' futures brighter.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A robust economy is essential for the prosperity of all Oregonians. Accountability in spending is essential. It is critical to prioritize policies that promote free-market principles, lower taxes, and reduce burdensome regulations to spur job creation and economic growth. By fostering an environment conducive to business expansion and investment, we can provide more opportunities for all constituents to thrive. A strong economy not only improves individual livelihoods but also strengthens our communities and ensures a brighter future for generations to come.
Ensuring public safety is a fundamental responsibility of the government. It is important for Oregonians to prioritize law enforcement reforms that support our police officers, and uphold the rule of law, safeguarding the rights of citizens and law enforcement alike. By enacting laws that make crime a crime and addressing root causes such as drug abuse and mental health issues, we can create safer neighborhoods and protect our families. Strengthening law and order fosters a sense of security and stability, allowing businesses to flourish and communities to prosper.
Addressing immigration concerns is crucial for safeguarding our borders, national security, and rule of law. Merit based immigration that selects individuals based on skills, education and potential contributions to our economy is important to assure national security. Essential to enact policies to assure asylum to existing non criminal immigrants, protect current programs such as DACA. Important to implement immigration reform that strengthens our national security, strengthens our economy, fosters diversity and honors our nation's heritage as a country of immigrants.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Responsible gun ownership: Get guns out of criminals hands, 2A rights for law abiding citizens

Support all rights: Includes Parental, Veterans, Women's, LGBQT+, Farmers, Voter's and the Unborn
Fiscal stewardship: Responsible spending, bring back the middle class, improve business relations and promote entrepreneurship
Health Care: Affordable, reduce pharmaceutical interests, Resolve Mental Health Crisis
End Homelessness: Initiatives to prevent homelessness

Crime: Rule of law! increase accountability, eliminate incentivized crime

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Constitution, Bible

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As an elected official, whether as a U.S. House Representative for Oregon's 3rd District or in any other capacity, the role is one of immense responsibility and service that demands utmost respect. It entails being a dedicated advocate for constituents, actively listening to their needs and translating them into meaningful action through policy and legislation. This requires accessibility, empathy, and responsiveness to ensure every voice is heard and represented. Additionally, upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is paramount, fostering trust and confidence in the democratic process and those they elect.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a proud Oregonian, mother, healthcare worker, and woman of faith, I embody the

values and priorities of our community. Born and raised in Oregon, I intimately understand the challenges facing our state from access to affordable healthcare, inflation, homelessness, rising crime and education.My dedication to serving others, honed through years of compassionate care as a healthcare worker, fuels my commitment to being a voice for the people. With common sense and integrity, I will advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of every Oregonian.

I am not a career politician! I believe in listening to the concerns of everyday citizens and championing their needs in Congress. My background instills in me a deep sense of responsibility to represent the diverse voices of our community with empathy, understanding and fairness. In Congress, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Oregonians have access to quality healthcare, economic prosperity, and a brighter future for generations to come. Together, let's build a stronger Oregon where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

House Representatives are elected to represent the interests and concerns of the people in their congressional district, proposing, debating, and voting on legislation. Provide assistance and support to constituents, allocate federal funds, and engage with the community to stay informed about local needs. Serving on various committees, House Representatives shape legislation, advocate for constituents' interests, and communicate with the public to keep them informed about their work in Congress. It is important that the US Oregon District 3 Rep Solicit feedback as well as empower residents to get involved by reporting to their House Representative key issues that are important to them. Through these duties, House Representatives serve as essential links between the federal government and the people they represent, working to advance the interests of their constituents and the nation as a whole.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The unique qualities of the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly for Oregon's 3rd Congressional District, include its role as the legislative body closest to the people, its design for responsiveness and representation, and its intricate part in the system of checks and balances within the federal government. Members of the House are elected from specific geographic districts, providing a direct link between constituents in Oregon's 3rd District and the federal government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

While some may argue that prior government or political experience is essential for representing Oregon in the US House of Representatives, I believe the opposite. It may be beneficial but as an average middle-class American, I am not a political activist, not a career politician but rather a mom and a blue-collar worker who wants the best for Oregon's future for generations to come. I think it is essential to have a mix of individuals in Congress who are in touch with average Americans, bringing different perspectives and ideas to the table. As long as one has a good understanding of the constitution, law, and remembers who they represent, I believe people like me can not only effectively represent the people of Oregon but must represent the people of Oregon.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

As a member of Congress, I am fully committed to addressing the enormous challenges our nation has faced over the last several years. It is imperative that citizens feel safe, and to ensure the safety of our nation, we must prioritize addressing the national debt, enhancing national security, including tackling illegal immigration, and combating the rampant rise in crime across our nation. These issues are critical to our nation's well-being and must be tackled with urgency and determination.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I do not believe 2 years is effective, campaigns are costly and time consuming. While I believe in term limits, I believe 4-year terms would be fair term length.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

As a conservative, I fully support congressional term limits. Term limits ensure a fresh mindset and new leadership, enabling new leaders to offer different approaches to problem-solving, thereby preventing stagnation in the legislative process. Long-term incumbency can sometimes lead to complacency and could potentially lead to corruption and or abuse of power. With term limits, politicians must be more focused on achieving results during their limited time in office, leading to better accountability to their constituents. Furthermore, term limits encourage the participation of a broader range of citizens in the political process, as they allow more opportunities for regular citizens to run for office and represent their communities. By preventing the emergence of career politicians, term limits ensure that representatives remain connected to their constituents, thus restoring the principle of citizen governance of which is vitally important to me. Overall, term limits can inject new energy, fresh ideas, and increased accountability into the political process.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I do not want to model myself after any particular house of representative. I am 100% committed to representing District 3 constituents and I am laser focused on assuring that all Oregonians feel represented and heard.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have had the opportunity to speak with family members, friends and residents of Oregon District 3 about the issues that matter to them. One issue resonates with everyone across the board, safety. There has not been one person that I have spoken with lately that has not been a victim of some crime whether it is personal, property or violent, this includes myself. One story that saddens me is a friend of mine a young man, business owner who was out for a drive in his neighborhood. It was one of those drives where you are in your thoughts, blowing off steam, just thinking about life and it occurred to him that he needed to just go home. He needed to go home because he was afraid of getting shot by a stray bullet while driving. This rocked me! A strong, young man in his own car afraid to drive around his neighborhood for fear of getting hit by a bullet. Crime is a serious issue in Oregon and Oregonians do not feel safe. As US House Representative I am committed towards bipartisan solutions to solve our nation's massive crime crisis.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

The capacity to navigate within a divided U.S. House is indispensable for any Oregon representative. Bridging divides through compromise is a fundamental skill in collaborating effectively with fellow congressional members. In a divided House, the ability to negotiate, build consensus, and seek common-sense solutions becomes paramount. As Oregon's District 3 representative I commit to fostering cooperation and bipartisanship, embracing compromise to ensure that the voices and needs of Oregonians are heard and addressed.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

As the Representative for Oregon's 3rd District, my approach to prioritizing revenue-raising initiatives is guided by a commitment to fairness, equality, and always the well-being of all Oregonians. I aim to seek revenue sources that do not burden middle-class families and never come at the expense of another person's rights.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The US House of Representatives holds a unique responsibility with its investigative powers, serving to ensure that the best interests of Americans are being served. This function should never be partisan, as it's essential for maintaining the integrity of our democracy. Investigative powers should be used sparingly, only when necessary, and with good fiscal stewardship in mind. Through this approach, the House can effectively assure the public that their concerns are heard and addressed, upholding the principles of democracy and accountability responsibly.

What committees interest you?

Natural Resources, Agriculture, Education as well as Budget committees are important to Oregonians and I would be honored to be on any committee that best supports the interests of all Oregonians.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are not only fundamental but non-negotiable components in ensuring that trust is upheld. Citizens must have access to clear and comprehensive information about how their tax dollars are being spent and how government decisions are made. When elected officials operate with transparency and are held accountable for their actions, it strengthens public trust and confidence in the democratic process. This trust is essential for preserving the integrity of our democracy.

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

Orwig’s campaign website stated the following:

“

IMMIGRATION

Immigration reform is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation today. It is imperative to uphold the rule of law and secure our borders to prevent illegal immigration and protect American jobs. I support implementing a merit-based immigration system that selects individuals based on their skills, education, and potential contributions to our economy. Additionally, I believe in promoting assimilation and American values among immigrants while respecting the importance of legal immigration as a cornerstone of our nation's heritage. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to craft comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens our economy, fosters diversity, and honors our heritage as a nation of immigrants.

ECONOMY

Economic revitalization stands as a cornerstone of our national agenda. We face the urgent task of addressing economic challenges head-on, safeguarding our prosperity, and restoring the promise of the American Dream. I am committed to enacting policies that curb inflation, bolster entrepreneurship, and ensure fiscal responsibility in government. I vow to forge a path toward economic renewal and opportunity for all Americans.

HEALTHCARE

Affordable healthcare is paramount to the well-being of every American. I am dedicated to ensuring access to quality care while preserving individual freedom and market principles. I advocate for a non-government, private healthcare system that puts the power back in the hands of patients and doctors, not bureaucrats. It's time to hold big pharma accountable for their pricing practices and reduce medication costs for hardworking families. I believe in consumer choice and market-based solutions that drive competition and innovation in the healthcare industry. By empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, we can create a system that works for everyone. A system that prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and individual choice; ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for all Americans.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

I believe in upholding traditional values and limited government interference in personal matters. While I hold strong views on the sanctity of life, I also recognize the importance of individual autonomy, including women's reproductive rights. Although I may personally oppose abortion, I understand the necessity of ensuring women have access to comprehensive healthcare and support systems. This may involve advocating for policies that promote alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, mandating waiting periods, informed consent while also emphasizing the importance of education and accessible contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

EDUCATION

I'm dedicated to championing parental rights in education, ensuring that parents have the freedom to make the best choices for their children's schooling. I strongly advocate for a merit-based education system, one that prioritizes hard work and excellence, preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow. It's time to reform student loan policies, allowing responsible borrowers the opportunity to discharge their loans through bankruptcy, promoting accountability and fair practices in higher education. Additionally, I'm committed to expanding access to alternative pathways like trade schools, charter schools, and e-learning, providing practical skills and diverse opportunities for every student.

LGBTQ+

I believe in it's essential to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. While I may hold traditional views on certain social issues, I also recognize the importance of equal treatment under the law and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live authentically and without discrimination. My approach to LGBTQ+ issues is one of balance and understanding. I believe in protecting religious freedoms while also advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to live their lives free from discrimination and harassment. It's crucial to find common ground and foster a society where everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

I prioritize law enforcement and their critical role in maintaining public safety. It's essential to allow officers to carry out their duties without undue interference, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to uphold the law effectively. At the same time, I believe in holding criminals accountable for their actions within the bounds of the Constitution, safeguarding the rights of both citizens and law enforcement alike. I am committed to promoting policies that strike a balance between empowering law enforcement agencies and upholding civil liberties, fostering safer communities for all.

VETERAN/MILITARY

I firmly believe in prioritizing the defense of our nation and the safety of our citizens above all else. I advocate for a strong and well-equipped military, grounded in merit-based principles, to ensure the security of our homeland. While we must be prepared to defend ourselves against any threats, I also believe in exercising caution and restraint when considering military intervention abroad, reserving action for only the most necessary circumstances. Additionally, I believe it is crucial to provide the most comprehensive resources for our veterans and active duty military members to ensure that they receive the support and care they deserve upon returning home. ^[2]

”

—Teresa Orwig’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

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.

Teresa Orwig campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Oregon District 3	Lost primary	$8,736	$8,736
Grand total			$8,736	$8,736
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Oregon District 3

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 22, 2024
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Teresa Orwig’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 24, 2024

[show]

Oregon's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jeff Merkley (D)

Ron Wyden (D)

Representatives

District 1

Suzanne Bonamici (D)

District 2

Cliff Bentz (R)

District 3

Maxine Dexter (D)

District 4

Val Hoyle (D)

District 5

Janelle Bynum (D)

District 6

Andrea Salinas (D)

Democratic Party (7)

Republican Party (1)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 22, 2024

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Teresa Orwig’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 24, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Teresa Orwig

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 3

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

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2024 Election analysis

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