Lamar Wise is a Democratic representative for Oregon House District 48, which encompasses communities in East Portland, Happy Valley, Gresham, Damascus, Barton, Boring, and areas from Kelly Butte to Powell Butte, Barton to Carver. An American organizer and politician from Portland, he was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives on November 5, 2026, succeeding the late Rep. Hòa Nguyễn. Prior to this, he ran for the seat and has focused on advancing economic justice for working families as a labor advocate.

Education and Political Experience

Wise served as legislative director and executive director of the Oregon Student Association, emphasizing expanded access to education, opportunity, and prosperity. He later became political coordinator and political director at AFSCME Oregon Council 75. He has held positions on the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the City of Portland's Independent District Commission, which drew maps for Portland's 2024 City Council election. In 2021, he sought appointment to succeed Rep. Chuck Riley but was unsuccessful. Wise announced his intent to seek the District 48 seat on October 22, 2025.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Board member of economic and social justice organizations.
• Advocate for working people's rights and dignity.
• Active in labor and student advocacy, contributing to policy on education and economic justice.