From California to Oregon
Andrea Salinas was born in San Mateo, California, on December 6, 1969, and grew up in Pleasant Hill. Her father's journey as an immigrant from Mexico who served as a police officer shaped her perspective on public service. She became the first in her family to attend a four-year university, earning a degree from the University of California, Berkeley. After graduating, she pursued a career in politics, initially working as a congressional aide for prominent figures like Senator Harry Reid and Representative Pete Stark. Her career eventually brought her to Oregon, where she served as a district aide for Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, developing a deep connection to the communities of the Willamette Valley.
A Career in Advocacy
Before holding elected office, Salinas
built a robust career as an advocate and lobbyist. She worked on behalf of the National Treasury Employees Union and later served as the legislative director for the Oregon Environmental Council. Her work also included advocating for reproductive rights organizations and other labor unions. This period cemented her policy interests in environmental protection, workers' rights, and healthcare. For several years, she ran her own legislative consulting practice and was the vice president of a political consulting firm, Strategies 360, further honing her expertise in the legislative process.
The Oregon Legislature
Salinas's first step into elected office came in 2017 when she was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives to represent the 38th district, which includes Lake Oswego. She was subsequently reelected in 2018 and 2020. During her tenure, she rose in the ranks to become the House Majority Whip and chaired the powerful House Committee on Health Care. In the state legislature, she was involved in significant legislation, including efforts to provide paid overtime for farmworkers and to establish environmental justice principles for the state. Her work there was heavily focused on healthcare, environmental issues, and equity.
Winning a Historic Seat in Congress
Following the 2020 census, Oregon was granted a new congressional seat, the 6th district. In 2022, Salinas entered a crowded and competitive Democratic primary for this brand-new district. She emerged victorious and went on to win the general election, assuming office on January 3, 2023. With her election, Salinas—along with Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, elected the same night—became one of the first two Latina women to represent Oregon in the U.S. Congress. She won reelection to her seat in 2024.
Priorities and Committee Work in Washington
In Congress, Representative Salinas's work reflects her background in advocacy and her time in the state legislature. She serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Her legislative priorities include lowering healthcare costs, protecting the environment, immigration reform, and strengthening the agricultural economy of her district. Salinas has also taken a leading role on mental health, serving as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus. She has introduced and cosponsored legislation related to telehealth services in rural areas, funding for mental health in schools, and protecting Native American children.
