A working Oregonian. A grounded voice for Oregon’s 2nd District.

I am not a career politician. I am a communicator, small business owner, and community-minded Oregonian who believes public service starts with listening, accountability, and respect for the people.

My campaign is rooted in the idea that leadership should feel human again. To me, “Representative” isn’t just a title. It’s a responsibility. That’s why as your District 2 Representative, I will ensure policies I develop and support in Washington will be practical and connected to everyday life across Oregon’s 2nd District. I believe this district deserves representation that is steady, honest, and focused on real people rather than political theater. I will show up.

About Dawn

Leadership shaped by real life, real work, and real communities

Rooted in Oregon by choice

I wasn’t born in Oregon. I chose it. After growing up in working-class communities across the South and Midwest, I came to Oregon in 1985 to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, and I built a life here.

At Pacific, I earned a degree in Communications with a minor in Psychology, helped restart the university’s speech and debate team, and served on student council. Those early experiences helped shape my belief that respectful dialogue, civic engagement, and shared purpose still matter.

A professional background built around people

I began my career in media at Portland’s ABC affiliate, KATU, where I worked on an Emmy Award-winning educational program. I later built a career in Oregon travel, tourism, and community promotion, helping highlight the places, businesses, and local character that make our state strong.

For the past 18 years, I have owned and operated a résumé-writing business, helping people from many backgrounds pursue opportunity, stability, and meaningful work. Listening to those stories gave me a deep understanding of how jobs, education, healthcare, and federal policy affect everyday life.

“Dawn’s campaign is grounded in a simple belief: public service should be about showing up, telling the truth, and doing the work on behalf of the people.”

— A candidate-centered message for Oregon’s 2nd District

Experience

A record of communication, service, and community connection

Dawn’s experience is not confined to one lane. It spans communications, tourism, entrepreneurship, and hands-on work with people navigating change in their lives.

Career highlights

Worked in television and educational media at Portland’s ABC affiliate, KATU.
Served in Oregon tourism and destination promotion roles that supported local economies and small businesses.
Received recognition for volunteer tourism leadership and community promotion work.
Built and sustained an independent résumé-writing business over nearly two decades.

What that experience means in public office

Dawn brings a communicator’s discipline, a small business owner’s practicality, and a community advocate’s perspective. She understands how policy touches jobs, housing, health care, education, and the everyday costs families carry.

That is the lens she brings to public life: not ideology for ideology’s sake, but a focus on whether government is actually helping people live, work, and plan for the future with dignity.

1985 Came to Oregon

18+ Years in her own business

People First approach to leadership

OR-2 Grounded in district values

Home & Values

Life in The Dalles, and the values that come with it

I live with my husband, Brad, in The Dalles, where our life reflects the same values I want to bring to Congress: hard work, honesty, self-reliance, and neighbors who show up for one another.

Connected to the district

Oregon’s 2nd District is defined by resilient communities, long distances, local pride, and people who know how to take care of each other through difficult seasons. I see that spirit not as a campaign slogan, but as a lived reality.

From wildfire seasons and economic pressure to the day-to-day concerns of families, workers, seniors, veterans, and small towns, I believe our district deserves a Representative who understands what’s at stake and takes that responsibility seriously.

Leadership grounded in real life

I believe leadership should lower the temperature, not raise it. It should create trust instead of cynicism, and it should be rooted in accountability rather than performance.

I am running to represent people who want decency, common sense, and a stronger connection between voters and the people elected to serve them.

Respect

Every voice deserves to be taken seriously, even when perspectives differ.

Accountability

Public office should mean showing up, listening closely, and doing the work honestly.

Community

Strong representation starts with understanding the real lives of the people you serve.

Get Involved

Help power a people-first campaign for Oregon’s 2nd District

Real campaigns are built by real people. Whether you give your time, make a donation, or do both, your support helps expand the reach of this campaign and bring Dawn Rasmussen’s message to more communities across the district.

Volunteer Donate