Victoria Ernst

Victoria Ernst is an experienced and passionate advocate who is ready to meet the challenges facing Oregon. Victoria is a 5th generation Oregonian with deep agricultural roots in Oregon's Willamette Valley. She grew up in Newberg and now lives in McMinnville where she serves on the city's Budget Committee, volunteers weekly with Meals on Wheels, and works with Yamhill Community Action Partnership's Housing Stability project. She currently works for a member of the UN International Law Commission and teaches international law at American University. She has previously worked with the UN Committee Against Torture, an international pro bono law firm, and the European Union Parliament. She started her legal career in civil legal aid, increasing access to justice for low-income individuals and representing clients in tribal court. Her relevant professional experience as an advocate and her dedication to her community make her uniquely qualified to champion the needs of rural Oregon at the state level.

Once elected, Victoria will fight to ensure that all Oregonians, regardless of zip code, have access to full reproductive justice; economic opportunities; adequate and affordable healthcare, including mental health care; schools and community spaces where they feel safe and supported; and a healthy, natural environment. She will also work to ensure that legislation takes into account the unique experiences of rural life, so rural communities can foster their economies and increase opportunities for all residents.