SALEM, Ore. – Today, at the conclusion of a successful legislative session, Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) tendered his resignation as House Speaker. The Oregon House of Representatives elected Representative Julie Fahey to lead the chamber through the end of the 83rd legislative assembly.
“Democracy requires hard work and commitment. What we do here in this building is
unquestionably some of the most meaningful work any of us can do on behalf of Oregonians,” said Speaker Dan Rayfield. “Looking back on the incredible progress we made this session on housing, addiction, and community safety, I leave the Speakership knowing our work will create positive ripples and opportunities for all families and communities across the state for years to come.”
As Speaker, Rayfield fostered a culture of respect and bipartisan collaboration, establishing an open-door policy of over-communication–in agreement and even more so when in disagreement–and Disney-level customer service. As a result, his tenure is marked by a series of critical packages, including historic investments in housing production and affordability, drawing down federal funds for Oregon’s world-renowned semiconductor industry through the Oregon CHIPS Act–expected to create more than 6,000 new Oregon jobs, revitalizing our rural infrastructure, water and drought resilience in addition to a dedicated climate budget, bolstering our behavioral health system and combating opioid addiction and overdoses, early childhood supports including Oregon’s first-ever state based child tax credit, becoming the first state in the nation to refer Ranked Choice voting to the ballot, and the largest-ever investment in Oregon’s K-12 schools.
Rayfield hasn’t shied away from tough conversations either. He has successfully taken up efforts to expand access to reproductive health care and protect our kids and communities from gun violence.
Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Rayfield has focused on strengthening democracy and trust in government by bringing people together to solve complicated issues with creative solutions and emphasizing shared values. Rayfield kicked off his time in the legislature by saving the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife from a $33 million shortfall. In 2017, he helped establish Oregon’s healthcare provider tax into law, stabilizing funding for low income Oregonians. In 2019, he successfully championed four critical campaign finance reform bills. In his role as Ways and Means Co-Chair, he oversaw Oregon’s pandemic relief effort. In the pandemic’s wake, he stepped into the role of Speaker, right-sizing state budgets and revitalizing
a divided legislature–leading efforts in 2022 to invest in education and house working families.
“I’m grateful for the tone and the expectations that have been set by Speaker Rayfield over these last two years. I think that has been one of the secrets to the House’s success—a culture of mutual respect and a genuine appreciation for each others’ humanity,” said newly elected Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta). “I know that spirit will continue, and I know that everyone in the House is committed to improving the lives of the people who sent us here to Salem. By staying focused on the work, holding true to our shared values, and always putting people first, we can demonstrate the value of our democracy.”
Fahey was first elected to the House in 2016 and was elected by her colleagues to serve as House Majority Leader in 2022. In her time in the legislature, she has focused on housing affordability, serving as the Chair of the Committee on Housing and Homelessness; elections and democracy reforms as Chair of the Committee on Rules, including historic campaign finance legislation this session; and on making the Capitol an inclusive and respectful workplace as co-Chair of the Conduct Committee.
Speaker Rayfield will serve out the rest of his term as House Representative for District 16. You can read his full statement from October 2023 here.