Oregon Voices Podcast - Elevating Oregonians' Lived Experiences
Oregon has a reputation as a progressive state. Democratic supermajorities control the legislature. We pass symbolic resolutions. We talk a good game about equity, climate action, and workers' rights.
But the actual policy outcomes tell a different story.
Progressive bills die in committee. Corporate tax breaks get protected. Housing remains unaffordable. Education funding lags. The gap between Oregon's reputation and reality keeps growing.
Why? Because Oregon's Democratic establishment is funded by the same corporate interests that fund Republicans everywhere else. The money controls the votes. The machine protects itself. And working families lose.
Oregon Voices Podcast - Elevating Oregonians' Lived Experiences
Episode 2 - John Wasielewski - Oregon House District 38 Primary Candidate
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John Wasilewski, affectionately known as Waz, is a middle school teacher and primary challenger in House District 38, running against incumbent Daniel Nguyen in one of Oregon's few competitive Democratic primary races. In this episode, Waz walks us through what drove a civics educator from the classroom to the campaign trail, why 2026 is a pivotal election, and what he's witnessing in schools that state legislators are getting wrong.
From the Lake Oswego School Board forums where the current representative didn't show up, to the mental health crisis facing students, to the real cost of housing on a teacher's salary, Waz breaks down the infrastructure of advocacy and representation that politicians often overlook. He shares what meaningful advocacy actually looks like and why grassroots organizing around education, community safety, and the cost of living is the only path forward.
He also opens up about running as the first openly gay candidate for this seat, the difference between corporate PAC money and grassroots donations, and why building schools and communities that work for everyone requires engagement from the ground up. This is the story of someone who believes democracy requires showing up, doing the work, and refusing to play the games politicians play behind closed doors.
Guest: John Wasilewski (Waz), primary challenger, House District 38
Hosts: Eric McGuire and Katherine Watkins
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