Suzanne Bonamici has served in the U.S. Congress since 2012, representing Oregon’s 1st Congressional District, a diverse region that includes much of Portland West, its western suburbs, and coastal counties. Her time in Congress has been marked by policy work in education, environmental protection, civil rights, and support for working families.
Early Background & Entry into Congress
Raised in Michigan, Bonamici moved to Oregon for her education. She got an associate degree from Lane Community College, then earned both her B.A. and J.D. from the University of Oregon. Her early legal work included helping consumers as an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, as well as representing individuals and small businesses in private practice.
Before entering Congress, she served in the Oregon State Legislature, first in the State House (elected 2006), then in the State Senate (appointed in 2008, elected in 2010) until she ran for Congress in a special election after the resignation of David Wu. She was sworn in as U.S. Representative beginning January 2012.
Key Policy Focuses & Accomplishments
Education & Workforce: One of Bonamici’s signature policy arenas has been education. She played a prominent role in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced “No Child Left Behind” and sought to reduce over-testing while giving more authority back to states and local districts. She also helped found the STEAM Caucus (adding Arts to STEM), pushing for broader, well-rounded education.
Environment & Science: Bonamici serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as well as the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. She co-chairs both the Oceans Caucus and the Estuary Caucus, reflecting her commitment to coastal and marine issues, climate resilience, clean energy, and science-based policymaking.
Senior Citizens & Social Safety Nets: She has led bipartisan efforts to renew and update the Older Americans Act, which funds services like Meals on Wheels and community centers and addresses needs like social isolation. She has also been a consistent defender of Social Security, Medicare, and fair cost-of-living adjustments.
Other Priorities: Bonamici advocates for working families, including fair wages, workforce training, affordable housing, and reinstating or defending reproductive rights. She also focuses on consumer protection (drawing from her FTC background) and voting rights.
Impact & Standing
Over her time in Congress, Bonamici has become known as a legislator who works across the aisle on some issues, particularly related to seniors and education, while clearly taking progressive stances on climate, social justice, and civil rights. Her consistent reelection suggests that her positions align with many of her constituents’.