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 second statewide slate of endorsed school board candidates for the May 20 election (first round of endorsed candidates is here). 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. 

“Our communities deserve to feel safe and supported against MAGA attacks on our values and our schools,” said Annie Naranjo-Rivera, State Director of the Oregon Working Families Party. 

“Elections are most impactful at the local level. There is nothing more personal than the future of our children, and their education – this is why the Oregon Working Families Party is supporting local school board candidates, to make sure we are building strong schools boards that will help our students chart bright futures” said Reyna Lopez, Co-Chair of the Oregon Working Families Party and Executive Director of PCUN. 

“I want to thank the WFP for tirelessly working to fight for the marginalized and disenfranchised by protecting our integrity and rights to fight for equity,” said Marcus LeGrand, Bend-La Pine School District, Zone 2 

“WFP has been at the forefront of building people-powered movements across the country, and their support means so much to me. I’m running to uplift working families, safeguard protections for our community, and push for bold, solution-driven changes. I’m proud to have the WFP alongside us in this fight,” said William Miller, Mount Hood Community College Board of Directors, Zone 2

“The unwavering commitment of the Working Families Party to fighting for working families, economic justice, and equity aligns perfectly with the values I hold as I campaign for a more inclusive future. This partnership strengthens our collective efforts to amplify the voices of those who have been historically underserved. Together, we will continue to push for policies that uplift all communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. I look forward to working hand in hand with the Working Families Party to build a brighter, more equitable future for all,” said Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie, Multnomah Education Service District, Position 1

“I am thrilled to be endorsed by the Working Families Party because the issues facing workers and families are what make public office worth serving,” said Althea Ender, David Douglas School District, Position 1

This slate of candidates represents the diversity and values of the Working Families Party which has recently announced its plan to recruit more than 1,000 working-class candidates to run for office at every level of government across the country in upcoming election cycles.

The second slate of endorsed Oregon WFP endorsed candidates for the May primary election are:

Bree Libertad – Warrenton Hammond 

Matt Ahearn – Warrenton Hammond  

Kirsten Wyatt – West Linn-Wilsonville

Althea Ender – David Douglas 

Thomas Stephenson – David Douglas 

Lisa Harnisch – Salem-Keizer 

Karina Guzmán Ortiz – Salem-Keizer  

Mel Fuller – Salem-Keizer 

Marcus LeGrand – Bend-La Pine   

Shirley Olson – Bend-La Pine 

Ashley Proctor – Redmond 

Amanda Ferrat – Tillamook  

Jordan Wolfe – Tillamook 

Tom Posegate – Siuslaw #97J 

Stephanie Engelsman – Portland Public Schools 

Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie – Multnomah Education Service District 

Erica Fuller – Multnomah Education Service District 

William Miller – Mt. Hood Community College 

Dave McCall – Tillamook County Transportation District 

Tom Jenkins – Port of Astoria  

ORWFP also supports:

Mt Hood Community College General Obligation Bond

Neah-Kah-Nie School District Five-Year Local Option Levy

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