Wen Waddell

Wen Waddell (Republican Party) ran for election for Governor of Oregon. Waddell lost in the Republican primary on May 19, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hello, I am Wendy (Wen) Waddell.

I have called Oregon home since 2009, and it is here that I have built my life, my purpose, and my commitment to service. I am engaged to a lifelong Oregonian and retired United States Army Ranger who served 22 years & 6 tours for our country. We share a simple but unwavering belief: All people deserve respect equally and no one gets left behind.

Service is not a new chapter in my life—it is where my story began. From an early age, I knew I would be called to work where lives are protected, large problems are solved, and responsibility is embraced. I am strong, prepared, and ready to serve the people of Oregon.

My values are rooted in integrity. I carry strong ethics and personal responsibility. I do not understand the need for deception, when truth, spoken plainly, with respect, and honestly, is far more powerful.

Trust is built through transparency, and leadership is grounded in clarity.

"Tell it like it is" Aaron Neville

"As Governor, you need a steady moral compass, respect for the constitution, and the strength to stand firm when things get hard. I bring all three". -Wen

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?

"Cost of Living and Tax Burdens do not make us a 'Business or family friendly' state".

High housing costs, especially in the Portland-Metro area, and, all cities and towns are affected in Oregon.

You have rising utility bills, gas and groceries affecting you daily.

Property taxes, income taxes are here too and small business taxes are not going away but multiplying.

You have concerns about increased tax proposals that both sides of the isle seem to favor, well, I do not.

The fact is Government spending is: poorly allocated and way to high. We need to make sure tax policies protect small business & families making it hard for them to stay in Oregon. Build apartments, open lists and house our people."Public Safety, Crime, Drugs, Police & ICE"

Oregon has faced high profile challenges from homelessness, drug addiction and public safety debates since changes were made, specifically, Measure 110. Have drug-decriminalization policies gone to far?

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhoods, on road and in Oregon's cities.

Compassion, transparency, and accountability need to go together.

We can help many people struggling with addiction, mental illness and alleged criminal offenses while still protecting and respecting our communities. I support legislation that will restore public safety while making sure resources truly help people recover." Schools, Communities, Jobs & Economics"

'We need an economy that works as well in rural Oregon as it does in Urban Oregon' -Wen

Across Oregon, families and individuals are feeling an insurmountable amount of strain. Job losses remain a concern, wages aren't keeping pace with inflation, and, rents continue to rise each and every year. Middle income workers (Teachers, Nurses, Services Workers) are struggling to live near their jobs. This situation is unsustainable, and it is time to reverse course. We can no longer sit stagnet on the same ideas. I have ideas in manufacturing, architecture, and innovations that will create new opportunities in jobs and in housing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Expanding affordable housing and services to address the 35% increase in homelessness, is very high on my 'priority policy' list. Ensuring better healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and providing reliable transportation to appointments. Resolving transportation funding challenges while protecting Oregonians from additional taxation. Changes policies and procedures in and around Oregon Health Care Plan to support Oregonians.

Preserving our natural resources, remembering that water and trees are sacred, and, let us work to shrink our carbon footprint when building and reconstructing.

Public policies affecting education, drugs, housing, safety, building, and the environment in Oregon are my priorities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Individual citizens have endorsed me, showed their support for me, my run for Governor, and, have additionally stated that I already have their votes. I have chosen not to put their names here, for their privacy. I feel supported, prepared and invite anyone who would like to meet me, endorse me, ask me questions about my campaign, or interview me formally, to email me at the link on my website, Wenfororegon.com . Please know how genuinely excited I am to meet you, to hear your thoughts, and go forward in this campaign with additional endorsements and support. I look forward to the mountains we will move and the connections we will make for Oregon!