Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1994, a graduate degree from Virginia Tech in 2000, and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 2007. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

McDonald has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety

Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District, Budget Committee

Oregon School Board Association, Legislative Policy Committee

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a mom, activist, school board member, scientist, cancer survivor, and dedicated community member, I bring a unique blend of personal and professional experiences to the table.

Mom: My role as a mother has shaped my commitment to creating a better future for our children and generations to come.

Activist: I am passionate about advocating for social and environmental justice, fighting for the rights of marginalized communities, and standing up against injustice.

School Board Member: Serving on the school board has given me firsthand insight into the challenges facing our education system and the importance of ensuring every child has access to quality education.

Scientist: With a background in science, I bring a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making, particularly on issues like climate change and public health.

Cancer Survivor: My personal journey as a cancer survivor has instilled in me a deep appreciation for life and a drive to make a positive impact in the world.

Community Member/Friend: I am deeply invested in my community, working tirelessly to build connections, foster dialogue, and create positive change at the grassroots level.

Overall, I am a passionate advocate for progress, equity, and justice, dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

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?

As a parent, I am committed to working tirelessly to create a better future for my children and future generations. The tragic events of the Sandy Hook shooting served as a stark reminder of the importance of this commitment. Holding my child on that day, I made a solemn vow to do everything in my power to make the world a safer, more compassionate place for them to grow up in. This promise drives me each day as I advocate for positive change and strive to build a brighter tomorrow for the next generation.I firmly believe that inclusive decision-making leads to better outcomes. As a leader, I will prioritize listening to and engaging with those directly impacted by our decisions. I am committed to actively seeking out diverse perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we can create policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.I have faced adversity head-on, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to serving my community. Resilient and determined, I bring a steadfast resolve to uphold our shared values in Salem. Despite battling cancer twice, I remained dedicated to my role, never missing a school board meeting except when undergoing surgery to remove my tumor. My experiences have made me tough as nails, ready to advocate fiercely for what matters most to our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education: As a dedicated School Board Member and mom, I will advocate for equitable access and quality education from K-12 to higher education.

Housing: Oregon is going through a housing crisis, I work to address housing affordability and accessibility challenges.

Healthcare: Drawing from personal experience as a cancer survivor, I am passionate about ensuring access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all.

Gun Violence Prevention: As a founder of Moms Demand Action, I am dedicated to implementing measures to keep our communities safe from gun violence.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Parks and Rec - Leslie Knope is a devoted public servant who carries out her duties and interacts with her co-workers and the public with an optimism I think we can all learn from. She represents my belief that we are elected to public office to serve and we should take pride in our work, even in the smallest changes we make to improve our state.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

'All I Want Is a Room Somewhere' from My Fair Lady which I recently saw on stage with my family.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Facing cancer during the pandemic was a challenging journey for me and my family. In 2021, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and undergoing treatment during the pandemic presented unexpected hurdles at an already difficult time. Despite the difficulties, we persevered. Unfortunately, my cancer returned in 2023, but with determination and the support of my family and community, I underwent treatment a second time. Today, I am grateful that all my test results look great and I am cancer-free.

This journey has taught us the strength we possess as a family and the incredible support we have from our loved ones. Together, we faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger than ever.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Former Governor Kate Brown

Former Governor Barbara Roberts

BOLI Commissioner Christina Stephenson

American Federation of Teachers - Oregon

Oregon Nurses Association

Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety

APANO Action Fund

Women’s Investment Network

Sierra Club Oregon

SEIU Oregon - Local 503

Progressive Democrats of America

Young Democrats of Oregon

Oregon State Building & Construction Trades Council

Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction

State Senators Sarah Gelser Blouin, Deb Patterson, and Janeen Sollman

Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan

Corvallis City Councilor Briea Lewis, Hyatt Lytle, Laurie Chaplen, Tony Cadena, and Gabe Shepherd

Moms Demand Action Founder Shannon Watts

Former Corvallis Mayors Julie Manning and Biff Traber