Nov. 11, 2022

ONA-endorsed pro-nursing candidates across Oregon secured election victories - setting the stage for legislative success on safe staffing bill.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) congratulates ONA-endorsed candidates across the state who secured election victories during last Tuesday’s statewide election. 

“This was a huge victory for pro-nursing candidates in Oregon and puts ONA in a strong position to pass safe staffing legislation during the 2023 legislative session,” said Bruce Humphreys, President of ONA’s two political action committees. “Across the state, nurses witnessed the power of ONA endorsements in crucial races that will ultimately have influence on pro-nursing policies at the state level. We congratulate all the candidates ONA endorsed who secured election victories during this crucial election.”

As of today, 40 ONA-endorsed candidates for state legislature secured election wins, with another seven on track to win races that are still too close to call. ONA-endorsed initiatives Measure 112 (removing slavery language from the Oregon Constitution as applied to convicted criminals), Measure 113 (disqualifying state lawmakers from re-election if they have 10 or more unexcused absences from legislative floor sessions) and Measure 114 (which sets new rules for the purchase of firearms) were also successful. 

Among the most significant candidate wins was Gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek who has a long history of supporting pro-nursing policies and who received significant financial support from ON-PAC. “Tina’s victory was not only well-earned, but also shows the power of pro-nursing positions with Oregon’s electorate. Governor-elect Kotek will be a tireless, vocal champion for nurses and their patients, and will play an important role in addressing issues such as unsafe staffing levels at hospitals across the state,” said Humphreys.

ONA member Travis Nelson, RN (HD44) who was appointed to the House in January, was also successful in his race for re-election.  

“We are so grateful to the ONA members and staff who knocked on more than 5,000 doors across Oregon in support of these candidates and ballot measures,” said Humphreys.

With significant wins for pro-nursing candidates across the state, Tamie Cline, RN, President of the ONA Board of Directors said, “The political landscape in Salem is looking very supportive for pro-nursing policies like our Safe Staffing Saves Lives bill. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Kotek and pro-nursing legislators in both the House and Senate to move this crucial legislation forward. Our bill will not only strengthen Oregon’s existing hospital nurse staffing law, but it will also hold hospitals and the Oregon Health Authority accountable for enforcing the law, ensuring nurses get their legally required rest and meal breaks, and creating minimum safe staffing standards for all units and their unique patient populations.”

More information on ONA’s “Safe Staffing Saves Lives” campaign can be found at www.safestaffingsaveslives.com.