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Mari Watanabe is an American Democratic politician currently serving in the Oregon House of Representatives. She represents the 34th district, which contains portions of Multnomah and Washington counties and includes the communities of Bethany, Bonny Slope, Cedar Mill, Oak Hills, Rockcreek, and Tanasbourne as well as parts of northern Beaverton and northwestern Portland.

Watanabe was selected by Multnomah and Washington County Commissioners at a joint meeting on January 16, 2025 to fill the vacant seat, beating out candidates Sarah Beachy and Alexandria Goddard. The vacancy was created by Lisa Reynolds's move to the Oregon Senate to fill the vacancy created by Elizabeth Steiner's election as Oregon State Treasurer.

She is the first Japanese American to ever serve in either branch of the Oregon Legislature.

Biography

Watanabe was the first executive director of the Japanese Museum of Oregon. She has also worked for the Portland Business Alliance and Partners in Diversity and has served on the boards of directors for Portland Community College and the Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. She has lived in the Bethany area for nearly two decades.

References

1. Newell, Annette (2025-01-16). "Watanabe Selected for Oregon Legislature, Making History". KXL. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
2. ^ "Mari Watanabe Appointed to Oregon House District 34, Bringing Diversity Focus to Beaverton and Hillsboro". Hoodline. 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
3. ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Sami Edge | The (2025-01-16). "County commissioners appoint new Portland-area member to the Oregon House". oregonlive. Retrieved 2025-01-16.

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