Salem, OR – In preparation for the incoming Trump administration, Oregon Attorney General-elect Dan Rayfield has appointed a diverse group of influential Oregonians to advise his office on defending state policies that could be threatened by potential federal changes. On Thursday, Rayfield unveiled the members of his newly-formed Federal Oversight and Accountability Cabinet, which he will chair, as concerns grow over how the new federal leadership might impact areas such as immigration, reproductive health, and environmental regulations.
The cabinet, a collection of twelve prominent figures from sectors including healthcare, law, labor, and civil rights, will work closely with the Oregon Department of Justice to protect the interests of Oregonians. Their work comes at a time of heightened uncertainty, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House with a policy agenda that could roll back many of Oregon’s progressive measures.
Rayfield expressed that the cabinet’s purpose is to ensure Oregon’s policies and values are safeguarded amid shifting federal priorities. “In an era of uncertainty, we must be proactive in our outreach efforts and work to protect the interests and values of Oregonians,” he said in a statement. “The leaders serving on the Federal Oversight and Accountability Cabinet create a critical nexus between what is happening on the ground in communities throughout our state and the work we are able to do at the Oregon Department of Justice to defend all Oregonians.”
The cabinet members, who have a broad range of experience in advocacy, public service, and law, include:
- Joe Baessler, executive director of Oregon AFSCME
- Sandy Chung, executive director of the ACLU of Oregon
- Greg Dotson, professor at the University of Oregon School of Law
- Julie Hanna, associate vice president of government affairs at Oregon Health & Science University
- Dr. Sara Kennedy, CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette
- Kyndall Mason, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon
- Isa Peña, director of strategy at the Innovation Law Lab
- Jeremiah Rigsby, chief of staff at CareOregon
- Lindsey Scholten, executive director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters
- Graham Trainor, president of Oregon AFL-CIO
- Melissa Unger, executive director of SEIU 503
- Norman Williams, professor at Willamette University College of Law
Each member brings expertise in areas that could be directly affected by federal policies, from civil liberties and environmental protections to healthcare and labor rights. Their role will be to help the Oregon Department of Justice and local communities coordinate their response to federal challenges, particularly in defending Oregon’s progressive stances on issues like immigration, abortion rights, and climate change.
Rayfield also announced the appointment of Dustin Buehler as special counsel in the executive office, where he will lead federal accountability efforts. Buehler, who has been with the Oregon Department of Justice for several years and previously served as general counsel to former Governor Kate Brown, will oversee litigation and strategy related to federal encroachments on state policies.
In addition, Fay Stetz-Waters, who has served as the director of civil rights and social justice since 2019, will continue her leadership role and co-lead the cabinet’s efforts alongside Buehler.
With a year marked by the uncertainty surrounding national political shifts, Rayfield’s creation of this cabinet signals a commitment to taking proactive steps in protecting Oregon’s values. The cabinet members will work to ensure that the state is prepared to defend against any federal actions that could threaten Oregon’s commitment to civil rights, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
As the new administration prepares to take office, the cabinet’s formation is a clear indication that Oregon intends to stand firm in protecting the progressive policies that have defined the state’s identity. Rayfield and his appointed advisors are positioning themselves as key defenders of the rights and values of Oregonians in an era of uncertain federal influence.
