Who’s Who? in Oregon Politics

Heads the executive branch of the federal government. Serves for four years, with a two term (eight years) maximum.

• Nominates the heads of all executive departments and federal agencies, including Department of Health and Human Services.
• Proposes the federal budget for approval by Congress.
• Has the power to veto (reject) bills passed by Congress; Congress can overturn a veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
• Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
• Appoints federal judges and nominates Supreme Court Judges.

The president can make rules about who is eligible for federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC.

Recommends funding levels for programs such as childcare, housing, hunger, and healthcare.

Nominates lifetime appointment of federal judges who rule on issues like equal rights and non-discrimination.

There are 435 members of the US House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for election every two years. The number of representatives from each state is based on population. Currently, Oregon has 5 representatives.

• Makes and passes federal laws.
• Decides amount of money that will be spent on federal programs in yearly budget.
• Determines federal tax guidelines.
• Can propose changes to Constitution.
• Power to declare war.

Decides whether to expand or cut funding for programs such as SNAP, school meals, Head Start, Oregon Health Plan, Social Security, and domestic violence services.

Creates laws governing child nutrition, immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, and tax rates for low income families.

There are 100 members of the Senate, each serving a six year term. Each state elects two senators. Senate races are staggered so that only one third of senators are up for election at a time.

Same as above.

• Senate only: Approves President’s appointments to positions like US Supreme Court and all federal courts, and the Cabinet (including Housing Secretary and Health and Human Service Secretary).

Same as above.

Heads the state executive branch. Elected every four years and cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.

• Proposes the state’s annual budget for approval by the legislature.
• Power to veto bills passed by state legislature. A veto can prevent a bill from becoming a law.
• Appoints positions to boards and commissions that determine how to enforce laws and spend money.

Recommends funding levels for programs such as public schools, roads, housing and child welfare programs.

Can veto legislation and ensures existing laws are being executed properly.

Heads the state’s chief legal and law enforcement office. Elected every four years.

• Enforces health, safety, and consumer regulations.
• Represents the state in legal matters.
• Collects court-ordered child support.
• Supports statewide crime victim service programs.

Represents the state’s position in all legal matters in court, including housing discrimination and racial profiling.

Issues opinions and interpretation of Oregon law or proposed laws, including voting rights, immigration, and healthcare implementation.

Helps ensure that orders of protection in domestic violence cases are enforced across the state.

Approves ballot measure titles and descriptions; confusing or unclear titles can mislead voters.

Oregon’s chief elections officer.  First in the line of succession for Governor. Elected every four years.

• Helps ensure the right to participate in federal, state, and local elections.
• Serves as the state’s auditor, ensuring public money is used appropriately.

Helps ensure that no Oregonian is unfairly denied the right to vote.

Ensures that money for important state programs like welfare, foster care, and housing programs are being spent well and makes suggestions for improvements.

The state is divided into 30 State Senate Districts and each district elects one senator. State Senate seats are up for election every four years.

• Enacts state laws in areas such as state taxes, education, child care and conservation of natural resources.
• Shares budget-making responsibilities with the Governor.

Makes decisions about funding priorities, such as Oregon public schools, roads, housing and foster care.

Can make policy and budgetary decisions about access and robustness of social service programs like welfare, healthcare, and childcare.

Can expand healthcare access for communities facing barriers due to immigration status or income.

Can change planning regulations to ensure development of low and moderate income housing.

There are 60 State House Districts. Each district elects one representative. All State House seats are up for election every two years.

Same as above.

Same as above.

Elected officials who lead city government. Serve a four-year term.

• Determines policies for all city services and sets the budget for a city.

Can provide financial support to community services which support low income families.

Make zoning and budgetary decisions that could promote or prevent development of affordable and temporary housing, such as emergency homeless shelters for mothers and children.

Can introduce a new tax or fee for a council vote.

Elected officials who lead county government. Each commission has between three and five members.

• Determines policies for all services provided by county agencies.
• Provides community services like county health departments, public transportation, public housing and libraries.

Same as above.