Khanh Pham

Khanh Pham is an American politician and activist currently serving as a member of the Oregon State Senate, representing the 23rd district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has a background in community organizing and environmental justice. Pham's legislative career began in the Oregon House of Representatives, where she served from 2021 to 2025. She is recognized for her progressive stance on various issues and has been involved in significant legislative initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and supporting local communities.

Early life and career

Khanh Pham was born in 1978 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to parents who were refugees from Saigon, Vietnam. At the age of 11, her family relocated to Irvine, California, where she spent her formative years. Pham pursued her higher education at Lewis & Clark College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology and Political Economy in 2001. Following her undergraduate studies, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Portland State University.

Pham's professional journey began in the non-profit sector, where she worked from 2004 to 2011 with various organizations, including the Global Fund for Women, Hesperian Health Guides, and Refugee Transitions. She also contributed to the "Making Contact" radio program during this period. Her work in these organizations focused on issues related to social justice and community support.

From 2011 to 2014, Pham was a PhD student researcher at Portland State University, specializing in climate adaptation and equity planning. This academic focus laid the groundwork for her later work in community organizing, particularly in the areas of environmental justice and climate justice. Between 2015 and 2020, she served as a community organizer with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon. During this time, she played a pivotal role in launching the Oregon Just Transition Alliance, which aimed to address the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.

In addition to her organizing work, Pham co-founded and led the Portland Clean Energy Fund initiative campaign from 2016 to 2018. This initiative successfully passed in 2018 and is designed to generate funds for community-led projects that focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing benefits to low-income and marginalized communities.

Legislative service

Khanh Pham's entry into elected office began when she announced her candidacy for the Oregon House of Representatives after incumbent Democrat Alissa Keny-Guyer decided not to seek re-election in the 2020 election. Pham won the Democratic primary, defeating former County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, assuming office on January 11, 2021.

During her tenure in the Oregon House, Pham was involved in several key legislative initiatives. In the 2021 legislative session, she contributed to the passage of HB 2021, a bipartisan bill aimed at transitioning Oregon's electricity grid to 100% renewable energy by 2040. This legislation reflects her commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy.

In addition to her work on renewable energy, Pham was instrumental in securing a $185 million investment package from state and local governments to enhance road traffic safety on 82nd Avenue. This initiative also included transferring ownership of 82nd Avenue from the state of Oregon to the city of Portland, demonstrating her focus on local infrastructure and community safety.

Following the Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan in 2021, Pham was appointed to lead a task force alongside Representative Kayse Jama. This task force was responsible for coordinating the resettlement of 1,200 Afghan refugees in Oregon, showcasing her dedication to humanitarian efforts and support for displaced individuals.

Pham was re-elected in the 2022 Oregon House of Representatives election, continuing her legislative work. In 2023, she advocated for the "Protect Local Journalism Act," which aimed to provide emergency grants to local news outlets, further emphasizing her commitment to supporting community resources.

In September 2023, Pham announced her candidacy for the Oregon Senate, seeking to represent the 23rd district, a position being vacated by the retiring Michael Dembrow. Her transition to the Senate marks a continuation of her public service and legislative engagement.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Oregon State Senate, Khanh Pham represents the 23rd district, which encompasses parts of Southeast Portland, Northeast Portland, and the city of Maywood Park. Her policy focus is characterized by a strong commitment to progressive values, particularly in the realms of environmental justice, community development, and social equity.

Pham's legislative priorities include advancing renewable energy initiatives, promoting sustainable urban development, and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Her background in community organizing informs her approach to policy-making, as she seeks to create inclusive solutions that benefit all constituents within her district.

In her role as a senator, Pham serves on several committees, including the Senate Committee on Housing and Development, where she holds the position of Chair. She is also a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, the Joint Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge, the Senate Committee on Labor and Business, and the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment. These committee assignments reflect her diverse interests and expertise, allowing her to influence a wide range of legislative issues.

Pham's commitment to her constituents is evident in her focus on local issues, such as transportation safety and community-led environmental initiatives. Her work aims to ensure that the voices of the residents in her district are heard and that their needs are addressed through effective legislation.

In her personal life, Pham resides in the Jade District of Portland with her husband, Hector, and their daughter. Her experiences as a daughter of refugees and her background in community organizing continue to shape her perspective as a legislator, driving her dedication to public service and advocacy for social justice.