Maxine Dexter

Maxine Dexter is a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives and a current U.S. representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she served in the Oregon House from 2020 to 2024, representing the 33rd district, which includes parts of Northwest Portland and surrounding areas. Dexter's legislative career has been marked by her focus on healthcare, housing, and public safety, as well as her active involvement in addressing issues related to homelessness and substance abuse.

Early life and career

Maxine Elizabeth Dexter was born on December 5, 1972, in Bothell, Washington. She completed her secondary education at Inglemoor High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Washington. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and communication, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree from the university's School of Medicine. Following her medical education, Dexter completed her residency in Aurora, Colorado, where she specialized in pulmonology.

In 2008, Dexter relocated to Portland, Oregon, with her husband. She has since established her career as a pulmonologist, working with Kaiser Permanente in Hillsboro. In 2023, it was reported that she would continue to practice part-time in her medical specialty while serving in Congress, indicating her commitment to both her medical career and her role as a public servant.

Legislative service

Dexter's political career began when she ran for the Oregon House of Representatives to succeed Mitch Greenlick, who had passed away shortly before the election. Her decision to enter politics was influenced by her reaction to the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings, particularly the allegations of sexual assault made by Christine Blasey Ford. Dexter won the Democratic primary for the 33rd district on May 17, 2020, securing approximately 40% of the vote against three other candidates, including Christina Stephenson. Following Greenlick's death on May 15, she was appointed to complete his term, officially taking office in June 2020.

During her tenure in the Oregon House, Dexter was actively involved in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She treated patients affected by the virus and advocated for public health measures, including urging the closure of schools in Oregon to mitigate the spread of the disease. In the 2022 election, she successfully secured reelection, continuing her work in the legislature.

In July 2024, Dexter announced her resignation from the Oregon House, effective August 30, to concentrate on her campaign for the U.S. Congress. Throughout her legislative service, she introduced significant bills aimed at improving public health and safety. Notably, she sponsored legislation that expanded access to naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, allowing first responders to distribute the medication to the public. This bill was signed into law on August 8, 2023. Additionally, she served as the chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, where she played a crucial role in passing a substantial spending bill dedicated to addressing housing and homelessness issues in Oregon.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the Oregon House of Representatives, Dexter focused on various policy areas, particularly those related to healthcare, housing, and public safety. Her background as a physician informed her legislative priorities, particularly her advocacy for expanding access to healthcare services. She has expressed support for transitioning to a single-payer healthcare system, which reflects her commitment to improving health outcomes for her constituents.

In addition to her healthcare initiatives, Dexter has been a strong advocate for addressing homelessness and housing affordability in Oregon. Her leadership in the House Housing and Homelessness Committee allowed her to influence policy decisions and allocate resources toward these pressing issues. The $200 million spending bill she helped pass aimed to provide critical support for housing and homelessness services, demonstrating her dedication to improving living conditions for vulnerable populations in her district.

Dexter's legislative agenda also included measures aimed at enhancing public safety. She introduced bills to decriminalize fentanyl test strips, which are essential tools for preventing overdoses in communities affected by substance abuse. Her efforts to expand access to naloxone and promote harm reduction strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis in Oregon.

In December 2023, Dexter announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Oregon's 3rd congressional district, which encompasses much of Portland east of the Willamette River. Her campaign was characterized by significant independent expenditure support, and she faced competition from other Democratic candidates in the primary. Ultimately, Dexter secured the nomination and went on to win the general election on November 5, 2024.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dexter has indicated that her priorities will continue to include expanding healthcare access and improving air quality. She has also joined several congressional caucuses, including the Congressional Equality Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, aligning herself with broader movements advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Dexter resides in North Portland, where she remains connected to the community she represents. Her background as a physician and her experience in the Oregon legislature position her as a knowledgeable advocate for the issues facing her constituents in both state and federal capacities.