Our Endorsement Criteria

In consultation with progressive organizations in the districts of interest, we try to assess –

Legislative Support: Is there a demonstrated history of advocacy for single payer measures? For those running as incumbents in Congress, that means that they must at least be co-sponsors of the Medicare for All Act of 2023 (H.R. 3421) or the Senate version in 2023 (S. 1655) and proudly mention their support in campaign materials. For incumbent Representatives, they must also be co-sponsors of the State Based Universal Health Care Act (H.R. 6270) and be members of the Medicare for All caucus. Non-incumbents must advocate for Medicare for All or Single Payer in their campaign information. Candidates for state legislature must be advocates for a single payer system in the state. We prefer candidates who understand which sorts of incremental reforms that may improve care for some, at least temporarily, will make it harder to move to a single-payer system, and which sorts will make it easier.

Electabiity: Does the candidate have a chance to win? Is the candidate willing to put effort into the process?

Educational Impact: Can the candidate, even in defeat, build substantial backing for single payer in their district?
Messaging: Will a candidate’s good showing send a strong message to politicians statewide about the strength of single payer movement?

Appropriate campaign financing: Does the candidate eschew financing from those working specifically against Medicare for All or single payer – especially those in the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future?

Candidates Endorsed for the 2024 primary election

For Secretary of State:

For State House:

Mary Lou Hennrich, HD 36, South Portland

Mary Lou is a retired public health nurse, healthcare administrator and lifetime activist. Her career has been dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities. She has a history of getting results -- codifying nutrition standards in schools, requiring weekly minimum PE minutes for students, and menu labeling for large chain restaurants. She has been and will continue to be a champion for publicly-funded single payer universal healthcare in Oregon."
Visit https://marylougetsresults.com

Candidates Endorsed for the 2022 general election

For Congress:

Jamie McLeod-Skinner, CD 5

Jamie is an emergency response coordinator, small business owner, engineer, and attorney who has focused her career on rebuilding communities and protecting our natural resources. Jamie successfully communicates progressive ideas in swing and rural areas. “We need to invest in affordable housing, healthcare, homecare, childcare, special and early childhood education, debt-free community college and trade programs, and a person’s right to choose.”
Visit https://jamiefororegon.com/

For State Senate:

For State House:

Candidates Endorsed for the 2022 primary election

For Congress:

Jamie McLeod-Skinner, CD 5

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Candidates Endorsed for the 2020 general election

For State Senate:

For State House:

Candidates Endorsed for the 2020 primary

For U.S. Representative:

For State Senate:

For State House:

Previous election endorsements

For the November 2018 election - we (as Oregon Right to Health PAC at that time) endorsed the candidates below, three of whom won their election and are currently serving in the Oregon House - Marty Wilde, Rachel Prusak, and Anna Williams.

We established our PAC just a few months before the 2018 election. With limited resources, we decided not to endorse any incumbents, and instead to focus on new candidates who could advance the cause of single payer.