Representative Tom Andersen

Tom Andersen is a Democratic member of the Oregon House of Representatives representing District 19, which encompasses South Salem from the Capitol to the city limits. He assumed office on January 9, 2023, succeeding Raquel Moore-Green.

Andersen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is the son of a Presbyterian minister. He moved to Oregon in 1973 to pursue legal education and has maintained deep roots in the state ever since. Throughout his life, he has been actively engaged in civic service and community leadership across multiple Oregon communities.

Education

Andersen attended the University of Oregon School of Law, graduating in 1976. After law school, he initially moved to Vermont to conduct public interest legal work, including representing the interests of low-income groups before returning to Oregon.

Political Experience

Legal Career: Following his return to Eugene in 1979, Andersen became a partner and litigator in a private law firm representing both businesses and individuals in civil and criminal trials. He maintained this legal practice until his retirement in 2024.

Community Leadership: Before entering electoral politics, Andersen served as a neighborhood leader in both Eugene and Salem, frequently testifying before city councils to represent his neighbors' interests.

Salem City Council: He was first elected to the Salem City Council in 2014, winning a three-way primary election. He served two consecutive terms on the council, totaling eight years. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening Salem's economy and quality of life by creating over 1,500 shelter beds for homeless residents, supporting community-focused public safety initiatives, reducing bureaucratic barriers to affordable housing construction, leading efforts to develop Salem's Climate Action Plan, and supporting the earthquake retrofitting of the Salem Library.

State Legislature: Andersen was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives during the 2022 elections. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and is a member of both the House Climate, Energy, and Environmental Committee and the Early Childhood & Human Services Committee. His legislative priorities include addressing homelessness, tackling climate change, supporting working families, improving addiction support services, and enhancing community safety.