Senator Cedric Hayden

Cedric Ross Hayden is a Republican state senator representing District 6 in Oregon, which covers most of eastern Lane and Douglas counties. A dentist, business owner, and rancher, he previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives from District 7 and is noted for his dental charity work and family legacy in public service.

Born in 1968, Cedric Hayden grew up in rural Fall Creek, Oregon, as part of a sixth-generation pioneer family; his great-grandmother was the first female mayor of Burns, Oregon, and his parents dedicated their careers to oral public health in third-world countries. He resides in Fall Creek with his wife Julie and their five children, enjoys family time and horse care, and has been honored as an outstanding quarter horse breeder. Hayden operates a family dental practice, a heavy-equipment company started in 2009, and a ranch; he also worked as a wildland firefighter. In 2007, he and his wife launched a dental charity providing pro bono mobile clinics in rural Oregon, Micronesia, Zambia, and Madagascar. Notable positions include Deputy Leader in the Senate and prior roles as Vice-Chair of the House Health Care Committee and member of Ways and Means subcommittees. In 2023, he participated in a Republican walkout, leading to disqualification from reelection after his term ends in January 2027 per Measure 113, upheld by the Oregon Supreme Court.

Education and Political Experience

Hayden attended undergraduate school in Walla Walla, Washington, and graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1994. Politically, he served four terms in the Oregon House , becoming one of the most veteran Republican members, with leadership as Assistant Republican Leader . Elected to the Senate in 2022, he represents District 6 as a Republican, focusing on healthcare funding, affordability, senior tax freezes, prescription drug costs, and small business tax breaks.