Press Release: Oregon Working Families Party Announces Statewide School Board Endorsements

Diverse slate unites candidates across the state in support for schools; freedom of expression

Portland, OR — The Oregon Working Families Party (Oregon WFP) today announced their first statewide slate of endorsed school board candidates for the May 20 election. Taken together, the diverse slate represents an extraordinary expression of statewide solidarity in fighting back on right wing attacks and committing to increasing funding for the state’s public schools. Many of the endorsed candidates have trained with Oregon WFP on running successful people-centered campaigns. The sought-after Oregon WFP endorsement includes support for its candidates from knocking doors and making phone calls to voters to paid media including mailers and social media, as well as mobilizing volunteers. 

“In these times of hostility toward public institutions, and right-wing attacks on our communities, the Oregon Working Families Party is organizing up, building a solid base of elected officials who embody our values and will fight for our schools,” said Annie Naranjo-Rivera, State Director of the Oregon Working Families Party. ”We’re proud of our candidates, many of whom have gone through our candidate trainings and a rigorous endorsement process to emerge as public school advocates and Working Families champions.”  

The Oregon WFP endorsed candidates range from high school seniors Devon Lawson (Lane Community College Board) and Jorge Sanchez Bautista (Portland Public School Board) to current and retired educators to those with advanced degrees and people who were the first members of their families to graduate from high school. They are united in their support for public education and schools as community centers and places where civic values are expressed and lived.

“The endorsement of the Oregon Working Families Party is essential to my campaign,” said Eric McGuire, candidate for Beaverton School District Zone 2. “We are seeking to reconnect the Beaverton School Board to the very constituents that elect them – the people! The Oregon Working Families Party is working to serve those who are the backbone of our state and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

“I’ve lived in the community for 45 years, have been a Teamster at the Tillamook Creamery, was a special educator for the school district, and have kids in the district—that’s why I know we need a board that represents Tillamook values,” said Brandon Affolter, candidate for Tillamook School Board Position 2. “Every employee, student, and family deserves to be treated fairly and to feel welcome. I know Tillamook values means supporting marginalized groups, which brings our community together.”

“I am proud to be endorsed by the Oregon Working Families Party because my values, vision, and action are all directly shared with those of the OWFP,” said Maya Rabasa, candidate for Eugene 4J School District Position 2. “The OWFP endorsement gives me the opportunity to wear my values rooted in supporting labor like a badge of honor.” 

“I am excited to be endorsed by the Oregon Working Families Party because of their strong commitments to working people of all identities.” said Luhui Whitebear, candidate for Corvallis School Board Position 4. “As a school board candidate, their commitments to public education, universal healthcare, unions, affordable housing, and comprehensive immigration reform stand out as things I also advocate for. Having an Oregon Working Families Party endorsement lets the community know my service will have their needs in mind through the decisions I make as a school board member.” 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Oregon Working Families Party,” said Angela Zbikowski, candidate for Medford School Board Position 1. “Their commitment to economic policy that benefits us all, workers’ rights, and social equity aligns with my values and belief in a fairer, more inclusive society. As I run for Medford School Board, I’ll continue to advocate for policies that uplift working families and ensure that every voice is heard.” 

The currently endorsed Oregon WFP endorsed candidates for the May primary election are:

Karin Stark – Beaverton, Zone 1
Eric McGuire – Beaverton, Zone 2
Syed Qasim – Beaverton, Zone 5
Christine “Christy” Splitt – Portland Public Schools, Zone 1
Rashelle Chase-Miller – Portland Public Schools, Zone 4
Jorge Sanchez Bautista – Portland Public Schools, Zone 5
José Gamero-Georgeson – David Douglas, Position 7
Brandon Affolter – Tillamook, Position 2
Michael “Mike” Selvaggio – West Linn-Wilsonville, Position 1
Ericka Thessen – Eugene, Position 2
Maya Rabasa – Eugene, Position 6
Angelo Arredondo Baca – Salem-Keizer, Zone 3
Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, Ph.D. – Corvallis, Position 1
Luhui “Lu” Whitebear – Corvallis, Position 4
Shauna Tominey – Corvallis, Position 5
Bernard “Bernie” Wang – Corvallis, Position 7
Mary “Kathe” Welch – Gaston, Position 3
Amanda Page – Redmond, Position 3
Angela Zbikowski – Medford, Position 1
Jennifer Lynch – Bend-La Pine, Zone 1
Ross Tomlin – Bend-La Pine, Zone 6
Kina Chadwick – Bend-La Pine, Zone 7
Austin Folnagy – Lane Community College Board, Zone 4
Devon Lawson – Lane Community College Board, Zone 3
Andrea Goss – Tillamook Bay Community College, Position 2
Jessica Arzate – Multnomah Education Service District, Position 4

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Paid for by Working Families Party of Oregon (5528) (PO Box 66703, Portland, OR 97290). Top Contributors: Working Families Party, AFT – OREGON / CANDIDATE PAC, Citizen Action for Political Education, Accion Politica PCUNista, East County Rising.