Dan Rayfield

Daniel Adam Rayfield is a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing the 16th district, which encompasses Corvallis and Adair Village. A member of the Democratic Party, Rayfield served in the Oregon House from 2015 until 2024, during which time he held various leadership roles, including Speaker of the House. In addition to his legislative work, he is an accomplished attorney and has been involved in numerous community organizations. Following his legislative career, he was elected as the Attorney General of Oregon in 2024.

Early life and career

Dan Rayfield was born on March 1, 1979, in Orange County, California. He was raised in an environment that fostered political engagement and activism, largely influenced by his mother, who was a small-business owner and an advocate for progressive causes. His father, a retired colonel in the Air Force Reserve Command, held more conservative views, creating a dynamic household that exposed Rayfield to a range of political perspectives.

Rayfield's family relocated to Oregon, where he completed his secondary education at Tigard High School. He pursued higher education at Western Oregon University, graduating in 2003. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended Willamette University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. During his time in law school, Rayfield gained practical legal experience by working as a clerk in the Benton County District Attorney's Office. This role allowed him to develop his skills in trial law, particularly in prosecuting misdemeanors and driving under the influence (DUI) cases.

After completing his legal education, Rayfield began his career at the Weatherford Thompson law firm in Albany, Oregon. His initial focus was on general civil litigation. In 2007, he gained recognition as a plaintiff's attorney in a notable case involving a police officer who wrongfully arrested individuals based on false DUI accusations. The successful resolution of this case led Rayfield to advocate for legislative change, resulting in the passage of House Bill 2318 during the 2009 legislative session. This bill enabled individuals who had been falsely accused of DUI to expunge those charges from their records, receiving unanimous support from both the Oregon House and Senate.

In May 2009, Rayfield transitioned to the law firm of Nelson & MacNeil, where he continued to represent clients against corporations and insurance companies. His legal career progressed, and in 2014, he became a partner at the firm, which was subsequently renamed Nelson MacNeil Rayfield Trial Attorneys PC.

Legislative service

Rayfield was sworn in as a state representative for Oregon's 16th House district on January 12, 2015. Throughout his tenure, he served on several important committees, including the House Committee on Rules and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. He was also co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources and vice chairman of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Government Effectiveness. In these roles, Rayfield was instrumental in negotiating bipartisan solutions to budgetary challenges, notably addressing a $30 million shortfall for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Following the 2015 legislative session, Rayfield's colleagues elected him as House majority whip, a position that further solidified his leadership within the Oregon House. During the interim period, he was appointed co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, reflecting his growing influence in legislative matters.

In the 2016 legislative session, Rayfield sponsored multiple bills that were signed into law, including legislation that extended unemployment insurance benefits for locked-out workers. This legislation had a direct impact on 180 Steelworkers who were affected by a labor dispute at the Allegheny Technologies plant in Albany, Oregon. His efforts in this area demonstrated his commitment to labor rights and economic justice.

Rayfield's contributions to environmental issues were recognized by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, which named him a "Rising Star" in its 2015 Environmental Scorecard. His work as co-chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources was particularly noted for fostering compromise and addressing significant budgetary concerns.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Rayfield was selected by the Council of State Governments West to participate in a training institute designed for lawmakers in their first four years of service, further enhancing his legislative skills and knowledge.

On February 1, 2022, Rayfield was sworn in as the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives. He held this position until the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session, after which he stepped down to pursue a campaign for Attorney General of Oregon.

Policy focus and district

During his time in the Oregon House of Representatives, Rayfield focused on a variety of policy areas, including natural resources, public safety, and labor rights. His role as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources highlighted his commitment to addressing environmental issues and ensuring sustainable management of Oregon's natural resources. Rayfield's efforts to negotiate solutions to budgetary shortfalls demonstrated his ability to work across party lines to achieve legislative goals.

As a representative of Oregon's 16th House district, which includes Corvallis and Adair Village, Rayfield was attuned to the needs and concerns of his constituents. His work on unemployment insurance and labor rights resonated with the local workforce, particularly in light of economic challenges faced by communities in the region. Rayfield's legal background and advocacy for individuals facing wrongful accusations further underscored his dedication to justice and fairness.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rayfield was actively involved in various community organizations. He served as a commissioner on the Linn-Benton Housing Authority and was a member of the New Roots Housing Board. His leadership extended to the Linn-Benton Bar Association, where he held the position of past president, and he was also past chair of the Linn and Benton Judicial Screening Committee. Rayfield's commitment to public service was further exemplified by his role as a former judge in the Linn County Peer Court and as a coach for the Oregon State University Mock Trial team.

Following his legislative career, Rayfield successfully campaigned for the position of Attorney General of Oregon, winning the election in November 2024. His extensive experience in law and public service positions him as a prominent figure in Oregon's political landscape.