Lisa Reynolds

Lisa Reynolds is an American physician and politician who has served as a member of the Oregon State Senate, representing the 17th district, which encompasses much of Downtown Portland along with the communities of Cedar Mill and Bethany. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, she was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 2021 to 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, Reynolds has been involved in various legislative committees and has focused on issues related to early childhood education and behavioral health.

Early life and career

Lisa Reynolds was born and raised in suburban Chicago, where she grew up in a family that valued education and activism. Her father, Charlie Reynolds, worked as a roofer, while her mother, Phyllis, was an activist who emphasized the importance of education in their household. Phyllis Reynolds graduated from college at the age of 40, setting an example for her children. Lisa has one sister and two brothers, one of whom, Pat, has schizophrenia, which has likely influenced her perspectives on health and social issues.

Reynolds pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She later attended the UCLA School of Medicine, obtaining her medical degree. Following her medical education, she completed a pediatric residency at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center from 1991 to 1994. After her residency, she served as the chief resident in pediatrics at Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital from 1994 to 1995. Currently, she practices as a pediatrician in Washington County, Oregon. In addition to her medical career, Reynolds co-founded Indivisible Oregon, a political organization aimed at promoting civic engagement and progressive values.

Legislative service

Reynolds entered the political arena when she announced her candidacy for the Oregon House of Representatives following the resignation of State Representative Jennifer Williamson in December 2019. Williamson left her position to pursue a campaign for Oregon Secretary of State. The Multnomah County Commission appointed Akasha Lawrence-Spence to fill the vacancy temporarily, while Reynolds competed in a primary election against three other candidates. She successfully secured the Democratic nomination and went on to win the general election against Republican candidate James A. Ball.

During her time in the Oregon House of Representatives, Reynolds was appointed to various committees that aligned with her professional background and interests. In the 2021 legislative session, she served as the vice-chair of the Early Childhood Committee and was also a member of the Behavioral Health and Water Committees. Her focus on early childhood education and health issues was evident in her committee assignments. In the 2023 session, she advanced to the role of Chair of the Early Childhood Committee and continued her involvement with the Judiciary Committee.

Reynolds' legislative career took a significant turn when Senator Elizabeth Steiner resigned to become the Oregon State Treasurer. Following this, the Multnomah County Commission appointed Reynolds to fill the vacancy in the Oregon State Senate. Notably, she had recently won re-election to the House, and her departure from that chamber led to Mari Watanabe being appointed as her successor, marking a historic moment as Watanabe became the first Japanese American to serve in either branch of the Oregon Legislature.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Lisa Reynolds has concentrated on issues related to early childhood education and behavioral health, reflecting her background as a pediatrician. In the Senate, she was appointed chair of the Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee for the 2025 session, where she continued to advocate for policies that support children's health and development. Additionally, she served on the Human Services and Health Care Committees, further emphasizing her commitment to health-related issues.

In 2025, Reynolds co-sponsored Senate Bill 28, which aimed to require commercial insurers to reimburse independent primary care clinics at rates comparable to those of hospital-owned clinics. This legislation drew attention due to her dual role as a legislator and a practicing physician, leading to discussions about potential conflicts of interest. However, the Legislative Counsel determined that Reynolds qualified for a "class exemption," which allows public officials to participate in actions that have a broad impact on a group.

Reynolds' district, Oregon's 36th House district, is characterized by its diverse communities and urban settings. Her work in the legislature has aimed to address the needs of her constituents, particularly in areas related to education and health care. By focusing on early childhood initiatives and behavioral health, she has sought to create policies that benefit families and children in her district.

In summary, Lisa Reynolds has built a career that bridges medicine and public service. Her experiences as a physician have informed her legislative priorities, and her commitment to education and health care continues to shape her work in the Oregon State Senate. As she moves forward in her political career, her contributions to the state legislature reflect her dedication to improving the lives of Oregonians, particularly in the realms of health and education.