History of Maxine Dexter in Timeline
Maxine Dexter is an American physician and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district since 2025. A Democrat, her district encompasses most of Portland east of the Willamette River. Prior to her congressional role, Dexter represented the 33rd district in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2020 to 2024, covering areas of Northwest Portland, Cedar Mill, Oak Hills, and Bethany. Her background combines medical expertise with political leadership.
December 5, 1972: Maxine Dexter Born
On December 5, 1972, Maxine Elizabeth Dexter, née Johnson, was born. She is an American physician and politician.
2008: Moved to Portland
In 2008, Maxine Dexter moved to Portland with her husband.
April 2020: Urged Governor to Close Schools
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, Maxine Dexter wrote a letter urging Oregon Governor Kate Brown to close Oregon schools.
May 17, 2020: Won Democratic Primary
On May 17, 2020, Maxine Dexter won the Democratic primary to succeed Mitch Greenlick with 40% of the vote.
2020: Represented the 33rd district of the Oregon House of Representatives
From 2020, Maxine Dexter represented the 33rd district of the Oregon House of Representatives.
2020: Inspired to Run for Office
In 2020, Maxine Dexter was inspired to run for office following the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
2022: Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
From 2022 to 2024, Dan Rayfield served as speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.
December 5, 2023: Announced Candidacy
On December 5, 2023, Maxine Dexter announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Oregon's 3rd congressional district.
2023: Chaired House Committee
In 2023, Maxine Dexter served as chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee in the legislature.
2023: Continued work at Kaiser Permanente
In 2023, it was reported that Maxine Dexter would continue to work part-time at Kaiser Permanente as a pulmonologist during her congressional run.
May 2024: Won Democratic Primary
In May 2024, Maxine Dexter won the Democratic primary for Oregon's 3rd district.
July 31, 2024: Resigned from Legislature
On July 31, 2024, Maxine Dexter announced she would resign from the legislature to focus on her campaign for Congress, effective August 30.
November 5, 2024: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
On November 5, 2024, Maxine Dexter was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
2024: Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
From 2022 to 2024, Dan Rayfield served as speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.
2024: End of term as representative for the 33rd district of the Oregon House of Representatives
In 2024, Maxine Dexter's term ended as the representative for the 33rd district of the Oregon House of Representatives.
January 3, 2025: Took Office
On January 3, 2025, Maxine Dexter took office as a member of the 119th United States Congress.
2025: Became U.S. Representative
In 2025, Maxine Dexter became the U.S. representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district.
