Michael Sugar

Michael Sugar (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) is running for election to the Oregon House of Representatives to represent District 40. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

(use the one from the initial submission - been chatting with support agent on this)

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Bring Down the Cost of Living: I’ve worked three jobs to afford a home. I know how hard it is to afford everything. I will work to cut taxes for working families, lower the cost of essentials like gas, groceries, and utilities, and make Oregon more affordable. From opposing tolling and Medicaid cuts to standing up for working families and pushing back against policies that drive up the cost of living, I’ll keep putting Oregon families first.Affordable & Accessible Health Care: Timely care. Lower costs. Better outcomes. I’ll expand access to primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and affordable treatment so kids, seniors, and working families can get the care they deserve. I’ll work to lower healthcare costs, reduce barriers to care, protect Medicaid, lower prescription costs, and stop surprise medical bills, so every Oregonian can get the care they deserve, regardless of where they live or what they can afford.Improving & Investing in Public Schools: As a high school history teacher, I know our kids are struggling, and we need to ensure they are prepared for their next steps and future opportunities. I will strengthen literacy, reduce class sizes, improve attendance rates, increase funding for special education, and expand career, technical, and trade opportunities for Oregon students.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that strengthen the middle class, expand opportunity, and keep our communities safe. That includes affordable housing, public education, affordable and accessible health care, public safety, and responsible environmental stewardship. I believe strong local communities are built through smart investments and responsive government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

All three mayors in our district:

Denyse McGriff, Oregon City Mayor

Michael Milch, Gladstone Mayor

Vincent Whitehead, Johnson City Mayor

Craig Roberts, Former Clackamas County Sheriff and current County Chair

Representative Annessa Hartman (Outgoing Jan 2027)

Senator Mark Meek

Oregon State Police Officers’ Association (OSPOA) Trooper PAC

Oregon Farm Bureau

North Clackamas Chamber

Oregon Nurses Association

Planned Parenthood Action Oregon

Oregon State Fire Fighters Council

Oregon Building Trades Unions

Oregon Education Association PAC

Oregon AFSCME

SEIU Oregon

Note: Sugar submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on September 15, 2026.

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January 13 submission

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Strong communities depend on strong public systems. I believe every Oregonian deserves access to quality education, affordable health care, and the freedom to participate fully in our democracy. I will protect human rights, civil rights, and voting rights, as well as support public schools and career pathways. Keeping health care accessible is essential to building a fair and inclusive Oregon.Oregon should be a place where people can afford to live, raise families, and build a stable future. That means housing people can afford, good jobs that grow the middle class, and schools that prepare students for real opportunities. I am running to focus on the basics that make strong communities possible and to follow through with solutions that help working families, seniors, and small businesses succeed.Good representation starts with listening and showing up. I am committed to being accessible, working collaboratively, and addressing real community needs. That includes public safety, mental health and addiction services, disaster preparedness, and responsible environmental stewardship. Government should reflect community values and deliver results people can see and feel.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that strengthen the middle class and expand opportunity. That includes affordable housing, public education and career training (CTE), accessible health care, protecting democratic participation, and responsible environmental stewardship. I believe strong local communities are built through smart investments and responsive government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Denyse McGriff, Mayor

City of Oregon City

Michael Milch, Mayor

City of Gladstone

Vanessa Huckaby

President, Gladstone City Council

Scott Wilson

Commissioner, City of Oregon City

Kristi Corbett

Gladstone City Councilor

Charlie Chu

Gladstone School Board, Position 3

Mindy Garlington

Gladstone City Councilor

League of Oregon Cities Women's Caucus President

Tim Powell

Fmr. Commissioner, Oregon City

Chair, McLoughlin Neighborhood Association

Heather Webster

Fmr. Vice President, Oregon ACNM:

American College of Nurse Midwives

Kris Igawa

President, Oregon High School Speech League

Edward Lindquist

Fmr. Oregon Representative, House District 26