Virginia Stapleton

Virginia Stapleton earned a high school diploma from Perrydale High School and an associate degree from Chemeketa Community College in 2021. Her career experience includes working as an administrative assistant, co-owner, and office manager. Stapleton has been affiliated with the Oregon Working Families Party, Progressive Salem, Salem Bike Vision, the Englewood Elementary Parent-Teacher Club, the Englewood Forest Festival, and the North Englewood Neighborhood Watch.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a lifelong Oregonian and middle class working mom, Virginia Stapleton is running for State Senate to deliver solutions for Marion County families struggling with rising costs and cuts to essential services while the billionaires and big corporations get more tax breaks. Virginia Stapleton is cross nominated by The Oregon Working Families Party. She is a champion for working people, housing, healthcare, education, and creating a community that cares. She is running for all of us.

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?

We need to build the kinds of homes our communities are missing most — starter homes for first-time buyers, affordable cottage clusters that fit within existing neighborhoods, and a wider range of accessible, stable housing options for people at different stages of life. This includes housing for our veterans and seniors as well as the next generation of homeowners. Millennials and Gen Z have grown up in a world where the ability to purchase a home is completely out of reach. We need to do something about this to ensure our young people have a pathway to building generational wealth.

I will help craft and sign onto policy which updates our outdated zoning laws, simplifies permitting, and supports builders who prioritize affordability.Oregonians are feeling crushed by the cost of everyday essentials of utilities, rent, food, and childcare. These aren’t luxuries. They’re the basics every family depends on. We need our leaders to take immediate steps to bring these costs down. That means strengthening protections for renters and increasing the supply of stable, attainable housing. It means investing in modern, efficient energy systems that lower monthly utility bills, not raise them. It means supporting local food producers and improving access to affordable groceries. And we must expand childcare availability so parents aren’t forced to choose between work and their children’s care. I’m committed to solutions that lower costs, reduce stress and create stability.Access to healthcare isn’t a privilege, it’s a basic human right. That’s why I support healthcare for all, and why protecting the Oregon Health Plan is absolutely essential.

Right now, Republicans are pushing policies that would cut or restrict the Oregon Health Plan, the same program that covers half of Oregon’s children and a third of our adults. We cannot allow that or go backward. Members of my own campaign team remember growing up without this safety net. Their families put hospital bills and even insulin on credit cards, always one crisis away from falling behind and never able to get ahead. I’m committed to building a future and healthcare system where every Oregonian can get the care they need without the fear of going broke.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing and Homelessness, Cost of Living and Affordability, Healthcare, Education, Veterans, Commerce and General Government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be known for creating a community that cares. I want to be remembered as a bold and brave leader who will stood up, spoke out, and delivered for working families. I believe in the strength of our community and that together we can build a future of opportunity for all of us.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first memory of a historical event was the beginning of the Gulf War. I was in 5th grade.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

In grade school I worked in the fields picking berries in the Willamette Valley. This job taught me the value of my labor and how to work hard.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is extremely beneficial to have previous experience in government or politics before serving in the state legislature. The experience I gained while serving on the Salem City Council enables me to be the ideal candidate to fill this role and work on solving our housing and homelessness crisis in Oregon. During my time on Salem City Council, we approved over 4,300 units of new housing for low income earners, veterans, and our seniors. We also added 1000 shelter beds to help individuals and families get off the streets and back into safe housing. At a time when the state homelessness rate was increasing by 22%, Salem was able to reduce homelessness by 7%. I am ready to take this work statewide as your next State Senator. I will help craft and sign onto policy which updates our outdated zoning laws, simplifies permitting, and supports builders who prioritize affordability. We can create pathways to homeownership that are realistic again. I know that Oregon thrives when people can put down roots. If we commit to building smart, attainable housing, we can restore that possibility. I’m ready to get to work ensuring homeownership becomes achievable again, for all of us.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Politics is about relationships. I pride myself in my ability to work with people and communities of all backgrounds. In the State Senate, I will continue to put people over politics and prioritize real solutions to bring down costs for families, protect healthcare, solve our housing crisis, and fully fund our public schools.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Tom McCall, Oregon’s iconic former governor, is someone I have a lot of respect for. Governor McCall was a Republican, but he embodied principled leadership, bold environmental stewardship, and a deep commitment to the public good. Known for championing the protection of Oregon’s beaches, advancing groundbreaking land-use planning, and encouraging civic responsibility, McCall showed that doing what’s right can be both courageous and constructive. He wasn’t afraid to take risks or speak plainly, especially when advocating for long-term solutions instead of short-term political gains. His combination of integrity, foresight, and unwavering dedication to our state make him a great example for me as I seek to lead with purpose, challenge the status quo, and leave my community better than I found it.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Oregon Working Families Party, Ironworkers Union, UFCW 555, Representative Paul Evans, Representative Mark Gamba

Virginia Stapleton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.