Photojournalism: What’s under the golden man? A look inside the 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly

The 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly gaveled into session on Jan. 21, 2025, with 30 Senators and 60 Representatives tasked with juggling the competing interests of their diverse communities and constituents. With the Capitol a quick walk across State Street, Willamette students have a unique access point to the center of Oregon politics. Numerous current Willamette students and alumni work at the Capitol, and the Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics program offers an internship class for students to receive academic credit for their work at the legislature. A number of Willamette graduates are currently members of the legislature including Rep. Ken Helm (BA '87, JD '93), Speaker Pro Tempore David Gomberg (MBA '81), and Rep. Kim Wallan (BS, JD '81). The current session is due to adjourn sine die on June 18, 2025, but must adjourn by June 29, 2025 under the Oregon Constitution.

Speaker Pro Tempore David Gomberg (MBA '81), D-Otis, presides over the floor proceedings for the day on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove, speaks in favor of an education bill on April 10, 2025. House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and freshman Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley, converse at the rear of the chamber. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, and House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, speak together on the House floor on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Oregon House Republicans gather at the rear of the chamber as the House stands at ease on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Kim Wallan (BS, JD '81), R-Medford, speaks on legislation before the House on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Darcey Edwards, R-Banks, speaks on legislation before the House on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

House members register their attendance either by pressing a button on their desk or indicating to the dais their presence. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Legislators prepare to debate and vote on legislation effecting all Oregonians on April 10, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Mari Watanabe, D-Bethany, converses with Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, on the House floor on April 10, 2025. Rep. Watanabe is the first Japanese American lawmaker in Oregon history. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, presides over the Senate proceedings on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, converses with Senator Diane Linthicum, R-Beatty, while Senator Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, speaks on legislation on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Senator Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, speaks in favor of a bill on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Senator Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, speaks on the Senate floor on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

The vote board in the Senate chamber showing 24 senators in favor and 5 senators against SB 295, carried by Senator Patterson, on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Senator Lisa Reynolds, D-Portland, and Senator Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, speak on the Senate floor prior to convening on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

(Left to Right) Rep. Hai Pham, D-Hillsboro, LPRO Analyst Melissa Leoni, and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, chat before a House Rules Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

(Left to Right) Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis, and Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, share a laugh prior to a House Agriculture Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

(Left to Right) Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, Rep. Anna Scharf, R-Amity, and Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove, prepare for a House Agriculture Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, prepares for a House Agriculture Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

(Left to Right) Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, and Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, prepare for a House Rules Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.

Rep. Court Boice, R-Gold Beach, looks at his computer prior to a House Agriculture Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa.