About Ron Wyden
In Oregon, Ron is known for his strong, effective leadership on the issues that matter most for Oregonians and for his accessibility to the public. Every single year, he holds a town meeting in each of Oregon’s 36 counties and has been recognized twice by the Town Hall Project with its “MVP” and “Democracy Defender” awards.
Ron was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He holds the Senate seat once held by his mentor, the late Wayne Morse.
Problem Solving Using the Oregon Way
In the Senate, Ron is known for being a consensus builder in solving major challenges, his effectiveness in getting things done, and his innovative approach to addressing tough problems - particularly in the areas of health care, technology, and protecting the environment.
He is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee and the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation. He also serves on the Committees on Intelligence, Budget, and Energy and Natural Resources.
Personal
Ron played Division I basketball for two seasons at UC Santa Barbara before transferring to Stanford University to complete his undergraduate education. In 1974, he earned his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law. After law school, he taught gerontology and co-founded the Oregon chapter of the Gray Panthers, an advocacy group for the elderly. From 1977 to 1979, Ron was the director of Oregon Legal Services for the Elderly and served as a member of the Oregon State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 and served until his election to the U.S. Senate in 1996.
Ron lives in Portland. He is married to Nancy Wyden and has five children: Adam, Lilly, Ava, William, and Scarlett.
Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.