Congresswoman Maxine Dexter: ‘We have to fight back’

Published 4:30 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter used a visit to Gresham as a rallying call.

The elected leader not only spoke against the concerning “injustices” occurring across the country, but asked the overwhelming crowd to help.

“We need to stop struggling to survive, we need to thrive,” Dexter said. “I never thought I would have to be fighting for the sanctity of our democracy.”

“We have to stay loud and stay firm,” she added.

Every point made during a raucous town hall gathering was punctuated with roars of approval from a packed crowd — the loudest came following questions about Elon Musk’s place in the federal government and a call to action to stand firm and protect immigrants.

“I am trying to be loud and proactive,” Dexter said.

The Saturday afternoon, March 1, gathering at Centennial High School was not just standing room only — the crowd filled every nook and cranny to hear the congresswoman speak and answer questions. Many sat cross-legged on the gym floor, eschewing comfort in order to participate.

“This is incredible, thank you to the community for coming,” Dexter said.

Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall gave a brief welcome, and then turned the floor over to Dexter to allow for as many questions as possible.

Dexter spoke against the many firings taking place across the federal government, and shared concerns those decisions weren’t truly being made based on “performance.”

“I want you all to have your jobs back,” she said.

That was one of the things she pointed to that is causing the economy to struggle. Dexter spoke against the tariffs and lack of support for agriculture. Her number one concern for the economy was proposed cuts to Medicaid — though the bill doesn’t specify that program, Dexter assured that there was no other pot that could be dipped into for the desired cuts, with as many as 50% of Oregonians losing coverage.

“We need a healthy workforce for a functioning economy,” she said. “I will fight like — I was going to say hell — crazy alongside all of you.”

“This is a tragedy that cannot be allowed to go forward,” she added.

Many in the crowd spoke against the actions being taken by President Donald Trump.

“I will not pretend to know why (President Donald Trump) does what he does,” she said.

One question asker brought up Russia and the potential for cyber-attacks.

“Russia having access to your personal and financial information is very concerning, we have removed too many protections,” she said.

And she supports Ukraine, dismayed at how President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was treated recently.

“Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in exchange for us to stand with them in the long term,” she said. “Trump is destabilizing not just national, but world security. The world is on its head, I am scared about a war that should never be started.”

She spoke against the “cruel and unlawful” actions being made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“This country is built on immigrants,” Dexter said. “Even people with green cards are worried about being put in detention/being deported.”

There were questions about the undermining of the education system, and struggles of families trying to earn a livable wage. She said there needs to be more housing build, and support for homeless, especially in Portland.

Dexter also stressed needing to protect transgender children.

“There is an open attack on transgender Americans,” she said. “These are people who deserve the same dignity and rights as everyone else.”

And the end of the day, all of this is words. She said that is where it starts, raising awareness, putting pressure on elected officials, shining a spotlight on underrepresented communities.

“I know just words is not enough, and when we need to disrupt we will,” Dexter said. “Right now they have the majority in the House, so we only get one chance at this.”

Then she came to Musk. Many in the crowd held aloft signs speaking against the actions he has been taking. And those concerns were shared by Dexter.

“Elon Musk is an unelected billionaire literally trying to use the federal government for his own gain,” she said. “Billionaires are trying to take over our government, this is all about them. And Trump is an accomplice.”

One of the few times her message didn’t land was when speaking about the importance of working across the aisle with Republican electeds — a message that led to murmurs and boos. But she persisted.

“We need Republicans to stand up for what is right,” Dexter said. “We need just three to stand with us.”

Dexter ended the town hall with a promise.

“This is not the last time I will be in Gresham — I will see you all again soon,” she said.