Lori Chavez-DeRemer was Mayor of Happy Valley from 2010-2018 where she led Oregon’s fastest-growing community, as its first female and Latina mayor. As Mayor, Lori presided over important changes in the city, making it more business-friendly, offering more affordable housing options for families, and a safe place to build a career and raise a family.

She is the granddaughter of a woman whose family legally immigrated here from Mexico to achieve the American dream. Her most important job, she’ll tell you is a mom and a small businesswoman. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, and supported the couple as he finished medical school. Later she helped Shawn found Anesthesia Associates Northwest and they now run several medical clinics throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Lori is now the Republican candidate for U.S. House Oregon Congressional District 5, which includes Central Oregon. I thought it would be valuable to hear her thoughts on the future of Oregon and the issues facing our country that need strong leadership.