Oregon welcomes out lesbian Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s run for Congress

Community leaders and grassroots supporters from across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District met in Bend last Sunday to celebrate the in-person launch of Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s run for Congress. 

Speakers from Clackamas, Marion, Linn, and Deschutes counties spoke about Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s work in both urban and rural communities and the grassroots support for McLeod-Skinner to represent the district and replace the current Representative. 

“Oregonians need leaders who are committed to helping working people, safeguarding our environment, and protecting our fundamental rights,” said McLeod-Skinner, “which means replacing the current Representative and her extremist agenda.” 

McLeod-Skinner, 56, has a history of public service. She led the effort to help Oregon communities recover after the devastating wildfires and currently works in emergency preparedness, affordable housing, and as a leader in protecting Oregon’s watersheds. She brings to her political commitment diverse experience as an engineer, public servant and small business owner. She aims to address three major challenges: fighting for working Oregonians, protecting our environment, and preserving our democracy.

To foster party unity and keep Democrats focused on flipping Oregon’s 5th Congressional District and regaining control of the House of Representatives, McLeod-Skinner is challenging her fellow Democrats to a “Keep It Clean” pledge. The pledge would focus Democratic primary contenders on the critical issues facing Oregonians through respectful discourse so Democrats maintain a focus on the greater goal of winning next November. 

“With so much at stake, Democrats must stay focused on defeating the current Representative’s extremist agenda in November. That’s why I’m challenging my colleagues in this race to a ‘Keep it Clean’ pledge in the Primary. We must stay focused on the issues and not inter-party negative attacks. This pledge will ensure we are stronger and more unified to defeat MAGA extremism and win back the House,” said McLeod-Skinner. 

Follow Jamie McLeod-Skinner here.