LETTER: Dan Rayfield is the right choice for Oregon’s Attorney General

Published 2:19 pm Wednesday, September 25, 2024

As behavioral health advocates who have worked for years to build mobile crisis support in Oregon, we fought for the 988 system during the 2023 legislative session and celebrated its passage. Without the help of then-House Speaker Dan Rayfield, its fate was entirely uncertain.

Amidst a tumultuous session where Republican Senators walked out for six weeks, the funding for 9-8-8 was one of the many bills on the line. Dan brought people together, and revived our bill, ultimately getting it through the Legislature with bi-partisan support.

When someone in Oregon is having their worst day, rather than call 911, they can call 988 and talk directly to a trained crisis counselor who can help de-escalate the crisis. In the event that an on-site response is needed, a specially trained two-person team is dispatched instead of law enforcement.

Dan Rayfield is the right choice for Oregon’s Attorney General not just because of his extensive legal experience and decade of work serving Oregonians in the legislature, or his time co-leading the legislative branch, but because he stands up for individuals in our state struggling the most and he doesn’t shy away from working to find solutions.

Dan knows that the worst moment in your life shouldn’t define who you are. Under his leadership, Oregon kids and families can have peace of mind because they know their Attorney General has their back.

Join us in supporting Dan in November.

Dwight Holton, Former U.S. Attorney

Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland