Biography

Earl Blumenauer is a seasoned American politician who dedicated over five decades to public service in Oregon. Born on August 16, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, he was raised in Southeast Portland and graduated from Centennial High School. While attending Lewis & Clark College, Blumenauer led the campaign to lower the voting age in Oregon, a movement that contributed to the passage of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In 1972, at the age of 24, Blumenauer was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, becoming one of the youngest legislators in the state's history. He served three terms, chairing the House Education and Revenue Committee during the 1977-78 session. In 1978, he transitioned to local government, serving as a Multnomah County Commissioner for eight years. In 1986, Blumenauer was elected to the Portland City Council, where he served as Commissioner of Public Works until 1996. His tenure was marked by significant advancements in public transportation, land use planning, and environmental protection, earning Portland a reputation as one of America's most livable cities.

In 1996, Blumenauer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. He served on the Ways and Means Committee, where he was the Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee and a member of the Health Subcommittee. Blumenauer was also a senior member of the Budget Committee. He was known for his advocacy on infrastructure, economic security, public lands protection, gun violence prevention, marijuana legalization, and criminal justice reform.

In 2024, Blumenauer announced he would not seek re-election, choosing instead to focus on local issues in Portland. He joined Portland State University as a senior fellow and special advisor to the university president.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lewis & Clark College
  • Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School

• Political Experience:

  • Oregon House of Representatives
  • Multnomah County Commissioner
  • Portland City Council, Commissioner of Public Works
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Oregon's 3rd District

Throughout his career, Blumenauer was recognized for his commitment to livable communities and his innovative approaches to urban planning and transportation. His legacy includes significant contributions to Portland's development and a lasting impact on national policy.