Rep. Maxine Dexter announces early resignation from Oregon House of Representatives

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland) has announced her resignation from the Oregon House of Representatives, effective Aug. 31, as she runs for U.S. Congress.

According to a statement issued Wednesday, Dexter wanted to “provide as much of an onramp as I can for the next Representative of House District 33, and allow them to hire staff, prepare their bills, and be ready to hit the ground running on Jan. 21.”

Shannon Jones Isadore is slated to replace Dexter representing House District 33, which oversees the Northwest Portland, downtown Portland, Linnton, and Cathedral Park areas.

“It has been an immense privilege and honor to serve in the Oregon House of Representatives for the past four years. Since taking office, we have made huge investments to support Oregonians,” Dexter said. “I am immensely proud of the work this body has done, and am proud to have been a leader in taking action to reduce opioid harm and making naloxone accessible in our schools, investing nearly $2 billion in housing and homeless services, and putting Oregon on a path to reduce emissions. It has truly been an incredible experience serving as State Representative.”

The announcement follows her win during Oregon’s recent primary election in which she secured the Democratic nomination in the race to succeed Sen. Earl Blumenauer, who announced his retirement in late 2023.

Dexter will take on Republican nominee Joanna Harbour in the general election on November 5th. It is anticipated Dexter will win the seat in the Democrat-heavy district.