Thank you to every OFNHP member that voted! Your vote - both as a union member and healthcare worker - made a difference. Each and every day, our voices shape our workplaces and our governments, and on Tuesday that fact was heard loud and clear! We saw enormous election wins in Oregon and Washington, and across the country, for working people and union members. All thanks to the incredible effort of political volunteers and staff, who worked tirelessly to get out the vote this election cycle.
For the first time ever, every single one of OFNHP's endorsed candidates came out victorious! This cycle also included sending a number of healthcare workers and unionists themselves to represent us in Salem and Olympia. Representative Sue Rieke Smith (OR HD 26), Representative Travis Nelson (OR HD 44), and Representative Ben Christly (WA HD 17 Pos. 2) have spent their careers caring for patients as nurses in our communities. Representatives Lamar Wise, Dacia Grayber, Lesly Muñoz, Diana Perez, Deken Letinich, and Senators Deb Patterson and Myrna Muñoz are all proud union members as well!
A number of OFNHP members celebrated on Election Night with the Democratic Party of Oregon, where the crowd heard the message of union power in our elections from both President Sarina Roher and PEAC Chair Damien Schlobohm. Our members spent the evening talking to elected officials about how they can support the needs of OFNHP now, and for the years to come.
Now the work begins to make sure our legislators do the right thing and pass policy that supports our members, our communities, and our patients. If you’re interested in joining the efforts of OFNHP’s Political Education and Action Committee (PEAC), reach out to hwinchester@ofnhp.org to learn more!
