Ricky Barajas

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Ricky Barajas

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 21, 2024

Education

Associate

Portland State University

Bachelor's

University of Oregon, 2007

Graduate

Portland State University, 2022

Personal

Birthplace

Los Angeles, Calif.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Dental field

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Ricky Barajas (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on May 21, 2024.

Biography

Ricky Barajas was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of Oregon and Portland State University for undergraduate study and earned a degree in 2007. His career experience includes working in the health care industry.

Elections

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

---

	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.
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

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,378
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Barajas in this election.

2022

See also: Oregon's 6th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Oregon District 6

Andrea Salinas defeated Mike Erickson and Larry McFarland in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 6 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andrea Salinas (D / Working Families Party / Independent Party)	50.1	147,156
		Mike Erickson (R)	47.7	139,946
	Submit photo	Larry McFarland (Constitution Party)	2.1	6,073
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	513

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 293,688
= 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 6

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 6 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andrea Salinas	36.8	26,101
		Carrick Flynn	18.4	13,052
		Steven Cody Reynolds	11.2	7,951
		Loretta Smith	10.0	7,064
		Matt West	8.0	5,658
		Kathleen Harder	7.8	5,510
		Teresa Alonso Leon	6.5	4,626
		Ricky Barajas	0.4	292
	Submit photo	Greg Goodwin	0.3	217
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	508

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 70,979
= 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

• Brian Hylland (D)
• Kevin Easton (D)
• Derry Jackson (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 6

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 6 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Erickson	34.7	21,675
		Ron Noble	17.6	10,980
		Amy Ryan Courser	16.3	10,176
		Angela Plowhead	13.2	8,271
	Submit photo	Jim Bunn	10.1	6,340
		David Russ	3.8	2,398
		Nate Sandvig	3.6	2,222
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	432

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 62,494
= 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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2020

See also: Oregon's 1st Congressional District election, 2020

Oregon's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (May 19 Republican primary)

Oregon's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (May 19 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Oregon District 1

Incumbent Suzanne Bonamici defeated Christopher Christensen in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Suzanne Bonamici (D / Working Families Party)	64.6	297,071
		Christopher Christensen (R)	35.2	161,928
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	900

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 459,899
= 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 1

Incumbent Suzanne Bonamici defeated Heidi Briones, Amanda Siebe, and Ricky Barajas in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on May 19, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Suzanne Bonamici	83.6	100,733
		Heidi Briones	6.9	8,260
		Amanda Siebe	6.7	8,055
		Ricky Barajas	2.4	2,948
		Other/Write-in votes	0.4	523

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 120,519
= 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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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 1

Christopher Christensen defeated Army Murray in the Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on May 19, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Christopher Christensen	55.9	27,417
	Submit photo	Army Murray	41.8	20,509
		Other/Write-in votes	2.4	1,162

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 49,088
= 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

• Bryan Tatum (R)

2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Oregon District 1

Incumbent Suzanne Bonamici defeated John Verbeek and Drew Layda in the general election for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Suzanne Bonamici (D)	63.6	231,198
		John Verbeek (R)	32.1	116,446
		Drew Layda (L)	4.2	15,121
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	484

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 363,249 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= 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 1

Incumbent Suzanne Bonamici defeated Ricky Barajas and Michael Stansfield in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on May 15, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Suzanne Bonamici	92.2	69,774
		Ricky Barajas	3.9	2,945
		Michael Stansfield	3.9	2,936

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 75,655
= 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 U.S. House Oregon District 1

John Verbeek defeated George Griffith and Preston Miller in the Republican primary for U.S. House Oregon District 1 on May 15, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Verbeek	51.1	21,191
		George Griffith	41.1	17,049
		Preston Miller	7.8	3,228

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 41,468
= 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

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ricky Barajas did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Ricky Barajas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Barajas' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ricardo (Ricky) Barajas. 36 years old. I have a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Oregon and a Master in Public Policy from Portland State University. My government experience consists of being a candidate in 2018 and 2020 for Oregon 1st Congressional District. I have also volunteered for many political figures; Barbara Boxer for Senate in 2004, Hillary for President in 2008 and 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020.

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?

• Investing in America has been my number one priority since entering politics. I support President Biden Build Back Better bill. Although the bill was too big to pass, we can still pass much legislation from the BBB to improve the daily lives of all Americans. My promise to the people of my district and the country is to support any bill where every day Americans need support and resources to get ahead. We cannot allow the gap between the middle-class and the top 1% to get bigger. We must act now, and I intend to do so.
• We are lacking one crucial characteristic in Congress, honesty. We need to be honest about what we can accomplish, not only what sounds good on paper. Many candidates enter politics promising change. However, their transformation is nowhere near in sight. I have made a commitment and an oath to my constituents of Oregon- allow me to serve to accomplish great things together. I will not fail you.
• Gridlock in Washington D.C. has hit an all-time high. America deserves better, and we must elect both Democrats and Republicans who will do the people's will. I am running as a Democrat. However, I believe we can have a balance in Congress, both Democrats and Republicans fighting the good cause and on the same side, one day.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the following:

1. Promoting a Green New Deal
2. Investing back into the Middle-Class
3. Education: Increasing Pell Grants and Loan Forgiveness
4. Covid 19- Hazard Pay
5. Strengthen our unions

6. Protecting our Communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom- without her sacrifice and upbringing, my story and run wouldn't be possible without her.

A political figure- I have a few that motivated and inspired me throughout the years.
Hillary Clinton run for president was inspiring to me and I admire her courage.
Barack Obama- the first president of color and his 2004 keynote speech at the DNC convention center.
Julian Castro- his speech at the 2008 DNC convention center.

The possibiities are endless and I thank these leaders for inspiring me to run for office.

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

Please put humanity ahead of any party affiliation.
Take care of each other, and let's pray for a better America.

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

Honesty and transparency and doing the job with ethics.

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

I believe I can bring people together and work together for a more significant cause. I have been managing for over 12 years and have the experience to lead a team to success. If elected, I would have the expertise to guide my party or rallying party members on voting on a selective bill. I wouldn't limit myself only to my side of the aisle but include my Republican colleagues.

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

1. Serve the people in your district.

2. Listen and respond to your constituents.
3. Work with both parties in passing legislation that benefits all Americans.
4. Having integrity

5. Engaging in primaries to earn your seat every two years.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I can think of two historical events that changed my life-

1. 9/11: I remember sitting in my classroom in high school. You can hear the clock on the wall as the whole room is silent with the mouths covered, witnessing the horror. I will never forget the look in my teacher's eyes- what do you tell a room of teens what is happening on national tv and why.

2. Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans: After Katrina hit in the Fall of 2005, I decided to see New Orleans a few months later. The devastation to the 9th ward was shocking. Houses were left in ruins, trash all over the streets, and people begging for help. I remember making a video, and I saw a lady walking toward me. I wanted to ask her if she had lost her home and if she was ok. She told me she didn't want to be recorded because she was in fear the federal government wouldn't assist her with housing. I was stunned.

Witnessing historical events that changed our lives can be portrayed differently via television. However, seeing the events unfold before your eyes hit different, and the images will stay for you forever. I knew that someday, I would prepare myself and run for office. As a country, we are better than this.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at age 15, working for the Boys and Girls Club as a mentor. My mother always instilled in us to work hard, save money, and be responsible members of society at a young age.
I would typically work 25 hours per week after school, mentoring younger kids with their homework or any other help they needed. The job was rewarding as it allowed me to witness the disadvantages school kids have in the inner city with limited resources.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Journey- Don't stop believing.

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

No! The constitution lays explicitly out the qualification needed to serve in government.
Running for office should not be for the elite or wealthy but for the ordinary American who wants to serve their community and do the right thing. Lastly, we have seen what experience has gotten - Gridlock in D.C.

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

Domestic agenda. Everything from job growth, income equality, improving our middle-class, and fighting for Democracy. What I mean by that is we must learn how to disagree with each other without having to hate each other. We must learn how to accept election results and not be lured into conspiracies that divide us. This was not the intention of our founding fathers.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

1. Oversight and Reform

2. Education and Labor

3. Homeland Security

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

Ideally, no, because representatives spent most of the time running and hoping they keep their seats.
But, it is what there is for a reason, and I must honor the term and years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits.
I am the only candidate who supports term limits and has committed to not run-pass the 4th term if I were to win. We need new young leaders to lead us to the future, not career politicians.

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

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Tim Ryan

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 a story that did not happen in my district, but it is relevant. I walked downtown a few months ago, trying to get something to eat and go home. I notice a little boy on the floor lying on top of his dad's knees. I stopped and asked the gentleman if he was ok. He told me he had lost his job and had no money for food or a place to stay. We all have witnessed people who lost their jobs living on the streets, but a probably three-year-old child broke my heart. This was not summertime, this was into the fall, and the fall here can get colder overnight.

I had $40 to give, and we went to 7-11 to buy any food and beverage that would last him for days, and the remaining money, he was going to attempt to stay at a local motel.

No one should have to sleep on the streets on a cold night, especially a young toddler.

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

Compromise should be at the forefront. We must compromise and put our egos aside.

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

Ricky Barajas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Barajas' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in East Los Angeles to a working-class mother who raised my older brother and I. My mother was born in Nayarit, Mexico- in a small town called San Juan De Abajo with my grandparents and her siblings. My mother cleaned offices for a living until she became a homecare worker. Her job requires her commitment to the elderly, safety, and well being. To all the home care workers out there, I thank you for your commitment to our senior citizens and what you do every day.

My family grew up poor in the inner city. I attended a high school that was severely overcrowded and underfunded for any student to reach their full potential. However, my favorite subject was United States Government. At that early age of my life, I grew up with a deep understanding of Climate Change, Immigration, Minimum Wage, Voting Rights, and Homelessness.

As a student in college, I became more politically active around my community and school. After Hurricane Katrina, I traveled to New Orleans to witness for myself the destruction and what our federal government was doing to help the thousands who lost their homes, including those who were relocated to neighboring states.

Listening to President Obama's acceptance speech in 2008, I realize that day I would one day run for office. His victory was not only historic but a calling for my generation to step up to the challenge and make our voices be heard.

Now more than ever, we need a Congress who is proactive rather reactive.

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?

• I believe we are only as strong as our community is, and our community needs a leader who wants to tackle on the tough issues such as homelessness.
• During this tough time we are enduring (COVID-19), Oregon needs a representative who truly understands the hardship every single Oregonian is currently facing with no help in sight. Oregon needs a representative who can relate at every level.
• I am running for Office to challenge the status quo, pass legislation that we desperately need, uplift my community and district and pass the baton to the next person in line. I believe in term limits and do not aspire to be a career politician.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Passing and co-sponsoring legislation that the people are looking for.

Examples: addressing the homeless crisis, a Green New Deal (keep Oregon beautiful), Universal Health Care, Immigration reform and laws that made to protect Americans, not corporations.
I want to be an advocate for my constituents at Capital Hill, to protect consumers in all aspects.

Noone in American should have to lose their homes because of hospital bills.
Noone in American should have to declare bankruptcy due to a job loss.
No more bailing out big banks and corporations and time to bail out American(s).

I want to ensure and pass legislation if we ever have another pandemic, that we are prepared and ready to assist every day Americans and small businesses within days, not weeks!

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

Ethics, transparency, and accountability.
We need ethics in the House, transparency to our constituents and need to be held accountable for our actions and inaction while in office.

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

The core responsibility should be to represent the people and their interests.

To work across the aisle and pass legislation that every American would benefit.
Nothing that comes out of Washington is perfect, but any progress is progress.

But over time, Americans rise to the occasion and enhance the progress we have made.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to dedicate this race to my mother who has done so much for my siblings and me.

Without her, I do not believe I would be here running for office, thank you, Mom, for showing me what compassion looks like, caring for others, acting selfless rather selfish, and inspiring change.
My legacy, I would love to leave is anything is possible.
I want the country to know that a child of an immigrant mother can one day grow up, run for Congress, Senate, and even the Presidency.
I would like to create a positive change in my community and the country.
Serve my country proudly and inspire millions of future generations to run for office.

More than anything, I would love to leave a legacy of humanity.
To be human is to care for one another.

"The moment we stop fighting for each other, that's the moment that we lose our humanity. "

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I would not call it historical but traveling to New Orleans to witness for myself the destruction and what our federal government was doing to help the thousands who lost their homes, including those who were relocated to neighboring states. This event open up my passion for policy and public service.

A historical event in my lifetime was witnessing Obama winning in 2008 and encouraging young, Millenials to get out there and make the change our country needs.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was when I was in high school at age 15, working for the Boys and Girls Club in East Los Angeles as a mentor for younger kids. My job was only seasonal, which lasted one semester.
My first job out of high school was working for See's Candies, which lasted for four years, then I was fortunate to work for Starbucks for another four years, which gave me the business acumen to be part of management.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I am a very political junkie, so most of my books are history and bios.
My favorite book I love to read at night is a history of all our American President.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Iron Man
Sacrifice himself three times to save the world.

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

Beneficial maybe but not recommended.

We have seen representatives who state they are fighting for their constituents, yet take millions from corporate lobbyists and get rich every election cycle.
The House of Representative is to represent the people's house, embodying the framers' intent to make it uniquely responsive to the will of the people

Now, more than ever we need every day Americans representing every day Americans because that is the only way we can ensure our representatives are fighting for us and getting the job done.

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

Addressing issues that will have lasting effects such as Climate Change.

Electing new members to Congress to represent the people and not special interest.
We need to bring back the soul of our country, a balance to our country.

Lastly, fighting for equality and voting rights.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes!

1. Oversight and Government Reform
2. Transportation and Infrastructure
3. Ethics

4. Education and Labor

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

Yes, a lot can be accomplished in a two-year term.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Yes!

Term limits for both the House and Senate.
I would purpose the following:
House: limit up to 8 years (4 terms)
Senate: limit up to 12 years (3 terms)

This will allow a more fair and balance Congress every 10 years to address issues we are facing at that specific time.

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

Yes, John K. Kennedy.

I would like to model myself after him and work on social issues such as veteran's issues, providing more housing for low-income families. I would like to travel to Europe to visit our allies and ensure our support to Europe and NATO.
I would love to follow his political footsteps:
8 Years in the House
8 Years in the Senate
and maybe, possibly a run for President.

The country is ready for a woman and Latino to run and win the Presidency.

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?

Meeting people in my district is my favorite thing to do. I do have two quick stories.

1. I was walking one night in downtown Portland, heading home.
I witness a homeless man outside a hotel asking for any change I had. I told him I did not have any change but I would gladly buy him any food from the 7-eleven around the corner. Before he could answer me, I notice his child on his lap cover in a blanket. The child must have been no older than 4 years old. I broke down in tears and bought the man and his son anything they wanted at the store. The homeless crisis is a crisis we need to solve no matter what, but to see a child in those conditions, never. We are the greatest country in the world and yet we allow children to sleep on the streets. I will never forget his face as the boy thanked me for buying his favorite treats.

2. I have a friend who works three jobs to provide for her 3 children. I don't know how she does it, but she always walks with a smile on her face. She would sacrifice anything for her children. She was laid off from all of her jobs due to COVID-19 and began to worry about how would she pay for her rent, bills, and support her children. She filed for unemployment and did what she was told to do to receive any kind of benefits. I haven't spoken to her regarding the outcome, but I know she is a fighter and will pull through this difficult time. The reason I wanted to share this story is people like her remind me of my mom who also sacrifices so much for her children while making minimum wage. I know there are countless of moms out there working multiple jobs just to get by.

This must change, we need to support working families(s), raised the minimum wage, increase child tax credit, and ensure no one ever has to work multiple jobs just to get by.

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.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys

Ricky Barajas participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 16, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Ricky Barajas' responses follow below.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“

1) Education 2) Infrastructure 3) Middle Class Tax Reform/ Health Care

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“

Education is a big part of my platform. We need more resources into education and our teachers deserve a pay raise. A real tax cut for everyday Americans, not the wealthy. Improve Obamacare and expand coverage more individuals. Rent Control- we can achieve rent control for all Oregonians. Immigration- ICE are abusing their power and we need to stop dividing families.

”

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Ricky Barajas campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Oregon District 3	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
2022	U.S. House Oregon District 6	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
2020	U.S. House Oregon District 1	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
2018	U.S. House Oregon District 1	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
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
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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U.S. House Oregon District 3

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Footnotes

[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)