What’s happening?
When Senator Aaron Woods passed, House District 26 (HD26) Representative Courtney Neron Misslin was selected to fill his seat, which left her seat open. HD26 Precinct Committee Persons for the Democratic Party met and nominated a ranked list of 3 people (in this order…Sue Rieke Smith, Mary Pettenger, and Chelsea King). They now go before the commissioners of Washington, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties who will meet and appoint the next HD26 representative. The meeting is happening this Friday evening, June 6, starting at 6:30pm. Full information can be found on this website.
Why is this important?
Appointments come about once a decade or less and will give an advantage for whoever is selected if they want to run for reelection, as they’ll be running as an incumbent.
Why Chelsea King?
Sue and Mary are awesome, highly-skilled people, but when I moved here in 2018 and started asking people who I should talk to about working on equity issues, Chelsea was the name people kept saying. We hit it off and have worked together since to co-found Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community. I’ve been so impressed by, and learned from her leadership on the School Board during divisive times. All the while she’s raised three amazing kids and helped give me advice as a friend during challenging times.
My full thoughts in my recommendation letter to the commissioners is below. Check it out!
Do you agree? If yes, here’s how you can help!
Before June 6 email WashCoClerk@washingtoncountyor.gov, BOCInfo@co.yamhill.or.us, and bcc@clackamas.us to contact all of the county commissioners.
Bonus points for the following actions:
Register to testify for 1 minute at the June 6th meeting through this link.
Contact your County commissioners.
Tell your friends, enemies, and frenemies to write in as well.
EXAMPLE message: my email to the commissioners
RE: Appoint Chelsea King for Oregon House District 26
Dear County commissioners,
As a resident of Wilsonville, I am proud to offer my full support for Chelsea King to be my representative for Oregon House District 26. As a respected leader in our community, Chelsea has built a strong reputation based on integrity, collaboration, and results-driven leadership—qualities that will serve our district well in the Oregon Legislature.
Proven leadership in challenging times
Chelsea has consistently proven to be a strong and effective elected leader who ensures that community voices are heard and prioritized. She understands that meaningful progress starts at the local level and has a track record of earning the trust of those she serves. In serving on the West Linn-Wilsonville School Board for two full terms (2015- 2023), she faced contentious debates over gender neutral bathrooms, fully inclusive classrooms, book banning, and anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Through all of this, she provided a steadying voice, working to form bi-partisan relationships and coalitions, yet still delivering on issues that made our schools a more welcoming place for people who have been historically underrepresented.
As a co-founder with her of the Wilsonville Alliance for Inclsuive Community (WAIC), Chelsea’s facilitation skills were essential in helping us navigate our hardest issue, combating left learning group think to make our organziation a welcoming and inclusive of those on the right, who may be wary of “DEI performative” efforts (which I too fight against). One of my proudest accomplishments at WAIC was teaming with conservative learning groups, like the Homebuilders Association and Wilsonville Chamber, and City Councilor Ben West, to support the adoption of Wilsonville’s Equitable Housing Strategic Plan.
Understanding of the state legislature and day 1 relationship ready
Through Chelsea’s current and past work, she will walk into the legislature on day 1 with extensive relationships with both Senators and Representatives in the Oregon Legislature. Her work with former Governor John Kitzhaber, and a statewide board of education and healthcare leaders, to operate the First 1000 Days Upstream Initiative has formed relationships throughout Oregon.
Additionally, Chelsea has shown a strong commitment to aligning with the legislative priorities of local governments within District 26. Whether it’s addressing infrastructure needs (like 99W), public safety, housing, or economic development, Chelsea listens first and leads with a clear understanding of the real issues impacting our community.
Standing up for local voices in state government
A key part of Chelsea’s legislative approach is resisting unfunded mandates that shift costs and burdens onto local governments without providing the necessary resources. Instead, Chelsea will advocate for funding mechanisms that send dollars directly to local communities with minimal red tape. She believes that local challenges can be met with local, asset-based solutions.
Long-standing experience with urban-rural Oregon and HD 26
Perhaps most importantly, Chelsea has earned the respect and confidence of our residents. People across House District 26 respond positively to her steady leadership, deep community ties, and vision for a stronger future. They know Chelsea doesn’t just talk about change—she delivers results. When running for the state legislature in 2022, she earned a wide range of endorsements from individuals and associations, raised over $150,000, and knocked on over 4,000 doors.
Being born in Coos Bay and raised in Grants Pass, she understands the challenges that rural and small-town Oregon communities face. She’ll be a helpful voice in bridging the urban-rural divide that we see in our legislature.
For these reasons, and many more that I could discuss, I wholeheartedly recommend Chelsea King to represent us in the Oregon House of Representatives. Their leadership is exactly what District 26 needs.