Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lives lost in a horrific, senseless act of violence that took place in Sandy, Oregon, on May 31, 2026. This is an ongoing investigation. More information will continue to come out in the days and weeks to come, but what we do know is that the Sandy Police Department responded to a domestic violence call that escalated into a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of 37-year-old Jenna Mary Overson, 70-year-old Mary Beth Overson, and 16-year-old Kobyn McClure, and left the entire community fearing for their lives and sheltering in place.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+46Stable$652K raised
Maxine Dexter
Representative · Oregon · Democrat
Maxine Dexter
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, the American people need to know that their government is intentionally suffocating the nation of Cuba. There is no other way to describe what is happening. Earlier this month, I traveled to Cuba with a congressional delegation to see firsthand how U.S. policy is affecting this country that is just 90 miles off our shore. This is a country that is known for its joy and for its culture.
When I was completing my medical residency in Colorado in the early 2000s, I distinctly remember standing in line for hours to vote with two small children in tow at the single polling location available to me. It was hours with toddlers in the glory of Colorado's most unpredictable weather. That experience was a world away from voting in my home State of Oregon where, since 1996, our State has proudly chosen to vote entirely by mail. It is safe and secure. You can't hack paper. It is harder to intimidate a voter in their own home, and turnout is higher.
Biography
Maxine Dexter, a practicing pulmonologist, was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives for District 33 in 2020. Drawing on her experience in medicine, Dexter prioritizes expanding access to healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, and addressing climate change. She sponsored legislation to safeguard abortion access and played a key role on the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee. Dexter approaches public service with a data-driven perspective, working to ensure her constituents receive equitable and effective representation.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Oregon's 3rd congressional district for 1 term.
State Representative, Oregon House of Representatives (District 33)
2020–2024Represented parts of Northwest Portland and nearby communities and chaired the House Housing and Homelessness Committee in 2023.
Pulmonologist and Critical Care Medicine Specialist, Kaiser Permanente
Worked as a pulmonologist with Kaiser Permanente in Hillsboro, Oregon, continuing part-time during her 2024 congressional campaign.
Medical Resident, Aurora, Colorado
Completed her medical residency training in Aurora, Colorado after earning her medical degree.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security29%
Environmental Protection14%
Labor and Employment14%
Health14%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Maxine Dexter's record in Congress.
Reproductive Rights Advocacy
Championed legislation to protect and expand access to abortion and reproductive healthcare in Oregon.
Gun Safety Legislation
Sponsored bills to strengthen background checks and implement safe storage requirements for firearms.
Climate Action
Supported policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in clean energy initiatives in Oregon.
Affordable Housing Funding
Helped secure increased state funding for affordable housing development and homelessness prevention programs.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Natural Resources
- House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Rep. Maxine Dexter FAQ
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