Virginia’s Priorities
As a life-long Oregonian and mom raising two teenagers, I know the struggles families are facing right now. People want our leaders to be honest, transparent and down to earth. They want leaders who not only understand the strain we’re all under, but someone who has ideas about how to create a better future for our communities. They want someone who respects their hard work and who will work just as hard, if not harder, to create positive change.
When I’m in the community talking to residents I hear the common refrain about housing that’s out of reach for most and the high cost of living. I hear about their fears of losing our basic safety nets, things like food stamps, healthcare and education and they want elected officials who will fight to protect them.
I’m running because I believe my experiences and perspective will be valuable in creating a future where all Oregonians can thrive. I’m dedicated to bringing down costs for hardworking families and individuals, fighting for our social safety net and creating a better Oregon for future generations.
Housing
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 create pathways to ensure our young people can build generational wealth.
During my time on Salem City Council, we updated our zoning laws to make more land available for housing and to streamline our processes. We approved over 4,300 units of new housing for low income earners, veterans, and our seniors. We also added 1,000 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%. We need leaders who are going to get results. I am not willing to settle for our neighbors living on the streets and entire generations of young people unable to buy their first home.
As your next Senator I will help craft and sign onto policies that will update our zoning laws, simplify permitting, and support builders who prioritize affordability and the importance of investing in union labor. I know that Oregon thrives when people can put down roots. We can create pathways to homeownership that are realistic again if we commit to building smart, attainable housing…we can restore that possibility.
Healthcare
Access to healthcare, including mental health care, is not 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.
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.
The Oregon Health Plan changed that reality for thousands of families. It’s one of the strongest tools we have to keep Oregonians healthy, stable, and able to thrive. I’m committed to building a future where every Oregonian can get the care they need without the fear of going broke.
Cost of Living
Right now, Oregonians are feeling crushed by the cost of everyday essentials — 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.
Making life affordable is essential to Oregon’s future. I’m committed to solutions that lower costs, reduce stress, and create stability for our communities.
Education
Our classrooms are overcrowded, our teachers are stretched thin, and too many students aren’t getting the support they need academically or emotionally. We can and must do better. Education is a public promise and the pathway to success in life. We must provide stable, reliable school funding every single year. We must invest in our teachers so we keep great educators. We need to expand trade, career and technical programs for our teens, and guarantee universal pre-K so every child starts strong. And we have to have full accountability for every dollar we invest.
Our public education system should have clear goals in mind: ensuring all of Oregon’s third graders are reading at grade level and all high school seniors graduate on time. We have a lot of work to do to improve our schools in Oregon, but these are clear measurable goals I know we can attain. I’m Virginia Stapleton, and I am ready to fight for our state’s future. For all of us.