Congresswoman Janelle Bynum Makes History for Oregon

Janelle Bynum made history on November 5, 2024, by defeating the Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer to become the first Black person to represent Oregon in the U.S. Congress. Her victory in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, a region that is primarily white and not considered a “safe” Democratic seat, marks a significant achievement in the state’s political landscape.

Before her congressional career, Bynum served for eight years in the Oregon House of Representatives, where she gained recognition for her legislative effectiveness, having previously defeated Chavez-DeRemer in both the 2016 and 2018 elections. Bynum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

During her tenure in the Oregon House, Bynum was the primary sponsor of eight bills and co-sponsored 226 others, with seven passing the House and one being enacted into law. Currently, she serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and its subcommittees focusing on Capital Markets and Housing and Insurance. Despite not frequently appearing in mainstream media, Bynum actively engages with her constituents through informative social media posts.

Insights from Congresswoman Bynum

In a recent conversation on October 23, 2025, Bynum shared her perspective on the differences between serving in Congress and the Oregon State Legislature. “I spent eight years in the State Legislature. I was known for passing big bills and getting work done. I was kind of like the workhorse, the tractor in the legislature. Here in Congress, people are looking to us for hope, a sense of fight, and a sense of backbone,” she explained.

Her proactive approach is evident in her social media outreach. For instance, she informed Oregonians about the Double Up SNAP program while visiting the Oregon City Farmers Market, emphasizing the importance of local produce. Bynum also keeps her constituents updated on congressional activities, announcing events such as telephone town halls and legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

Legislative Actions and Future Goals

In the current congressional session, Bynum has participated in various significant legislative activities. Recently, the House passed several bills, including H.R. 3628, which focuses on state planning for reliability and affordability in energy, and H.R. 3638, aimed at improving the electric supply chain. Bynum and her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) consistently voted against measures they believe undermine public health and environmental standards, such as the PERMIT Act, which they argue would weaken the Clean Water Act.

As the end of the year approaches, the urgency surrounding the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits remains a pressing issue. With the credits set to expire on December 31, 2025, Bynum has joined her colleagues in advocating for their renewal to prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans.

In her role, Bynum illustrates the evolving face of leadership in Congress, balancing her engineering background and legislative experience with a commitment to community engagement. Her historic election not only represents a milestone for Oregon but also reflects broader changes in the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in legislative processes.

As Congress navigates key issues affecting constituents across the nation, Bynum remains a pivotal figure in advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of her community while working to repair what she identifies as broken systems in governance.