ADVOCACY Meet Oregon’s New Members of Congress REP. MAXINE DEXTER (D-3rd District) Rep. Maxine Dexter, a practicing physician and former state legislator (2020–2024), replaces Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who announced his retirement in 2024 after serving the district since 1996. During her tenure in the Oregon Legislature, some of the key issues Rep. Dexter advanced related to healthcare, housing and public health. Rep. Dexter grew up in Bothell, Washington and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from the University of Washington and her Doctor of Medicine from the university’s School of Medicine. Following her medical residency in Colorado, she moved to Portland with her husband and two kids. There she began her career as a physician at Kaiser Permanente where she practices both inpatient and outpatient medicine in pulmonary and critical care subspecialties. The 3rd Congressional District, which includes Portland and parts of surrounding areas, has long been a Democratic stronghold. Dexter beat out four other candidates with 67.7% of the vote. Her election represents a continuation of the district’s progressive legacy. In January, Rep. Dexter was appointed to the House Natural Resources and Veteran’s Affairs Committees. REP. JANELLE BYNUM (D-5th District) Rep. Janelle Bynum, a small business owner and former state legislator (2017–2024), succeeds Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, flipping the district back to Democratic control. Rep. Bynum is the first Black member of Congress elected in Oregon. During her time in the Oregon legislature, some of the key issues she advanced related to public safety, education, affordable housing and economic opportunity. Rep. Bynum grew up in Washington, D.C. where her teacher parents instilled that education was the key to a better, safer world. After attending The Madeira School, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University and her MBA from the University of Michigan. In 2002, Rep. Bynum relocated to Clackamas County. Today, she resides in Happy Valley with her husband and four children. Rep. Bynum operates her family’s small business, running four restaurant franchises. The 5th Congressional District is one of Oregon’s most politically diverse, encompassing suburban, rural and urban communities from Portland to parts of central Oregon. Rep. Bynum won the five-way race for the District with 47.7% of the vote total. The race was the 11th most expensive in the 2024 cycle, drawing over $26 million in outside spending. Bynum was appointed to the powerful and influential House Financial Services Committee in January. The committee, which is arguably the most important to banks and bankers, is responsible for banking legislation and oversight, as well as deposit insurance, monetary policy and economic stabilization, among other areas. Winter 2025 • BANKING MATTERS 15
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=