Jeff Cogen to Run for State Representative

Former Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen announces he will run for House District 46 saying he is excited to bring his experience and progressive values to the Oregon Legislature.

Here's his full statement:

"I’m excited to announce that I am running for State Representative!

The perspectives and experience I will bring to this role are unique and needed: I’ve been a small business owner, directed a nonprofit service provider, and managed our County government.

For the past four years I was proud to lead Impact NW— a leading provider of services to our homeless population, making sure we protect the safety net for low-income families and seniors and providing critical early learning and support so all kids can enter school focused on learning.

I’m proud of the work we did, but it wasn’t enough to help everyone who deserves a chance to make it in our region.

"As our legislator, I’ll build on my diverse experience to help address homelessness and affordability, make sure health care is accessible and affordable, and tackle the need for great schools and early learning not just in Portland, but throughout the state.

"I’ll bring the solutions-oriented focus I’ve brought to prior elected office to the legislature, where despite the good work of Democratic lawmakers, entrenched partisanship stands in the way of real action on climate change, and we need the experience to bring homeless services to scale and take the burden off local governments and taxpayers.

"One other reason I am running for this office.

"A little less than three years ago I had a stroke after suffering whiplash in an accident. I lost the ability to speak, and it took nearly two years to recover.

"I was fortunate to have short-term and long-term disability insurance. But too many of our neighbors lack even basic access to affordable, quality care, and even more risk falling through the cracks faced with a debilitating medical issue.

"I am running because I have always been committed to leaving the world a better place for our children and friends and neighbors.

"Jewish culture has a saying, it’s called Tikkun Olam. It means that we all have a duty to heal and repair the world. But we need to take risks to do it.

"That’s why I’m running for the legislature, and why I would be honored to earn your vote."