Mari Watanabe is a Democrat representing House District 34 in the Oregon State Legislature. A third-generation Japanese American raised in the Pacific Northwest, she has lived in the district for nearly 20 years and became the first Japanese American woman to serve in the Oregon Legislature when sworn in on January 19, 2025, to fill a vacant seat. Her family history includes her parents' internment during World War II under Executive Order 9066, shaping her values of resilience and service. Notable achievements include receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Commission for Women in 2023, serving as a 2011 U.S.-Japan Council delegation member to strengthen transpacific relations, and her 2026 reelection campaign focusing on public education, local businesses, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. She holds positions on the Portland Community College Board of Trustees, Portland Japanese Garden Board, and Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.

Education and Political Experience

Watanabe's career emphasizes nonprofit leadership and diversity advocacy. In 2008, she became the first Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and later served 11 years as Executive Director of Partners in Diversity, promoting diverse workforces and economic development. Her political service began with her 2025 appointment to the Oregon House, where she advocates for inclusive policies, workforce pathways for immigrants, and communities of color.