To fulfill ONA’s mission of advocating for frontline caregivers and quality, accessible health care for all, ONA regularly endorses candidates for public office and takes positions on ballot measures. ONA makes endorsements based on members’ input, a candidate’s voting record, and overall viability.

Engaging in the election process gives ONA the ability to affect change and respond to challenges frontline caregivers face in their practice, at the bargaining table, and in their communities. 

Endorsement Processes

Candidate Races

To receive ONA’s endorsement, candidates for the Oregon Legislature or statewide office can complete an interview with a group of nurses from their area, or with members from ONA’s Political Action Committee (PAC). The interviews are based on a candidate questionnaire developed by ONA’s Cabinet on Health Policy. Following an interview with ONA members, our PAC makes an endorsement decision based on the interview, the candidate’s past voting record, and the candidate’s viability. Candidates running for re-election may receive an automatic endorsement based on their voting record and past support of ONA’s legislative priorities. Our PAC also supports endorsed candidates by allocating financial resources and organizing and supporting grassroots activities such as member communication, phone banks, and canvassing.

For federal elections, ONA endorses federal candidates in collaboration with our national union AFT and state AFT affiliates.

Ballot Measures

ONA’s Cabinet on Health Policy takes positions on relevant ballot measures. ONA’s PAC acts to support our positions by allocating financial resources and organizing and supporting grassroots activities around ballot measures, including voter contact, member outreach and coalition building.