I first met Raz Mason in 2018 when she was a candidate for Congressional District 2, where I live. She seemed like a very smart person, knowledgeable about issues, interested in educating people and working toward a better future for our region. She was not an experienced candidate, she did not have a team working for her or a lot of money, but she was dedicated and stuck with the process. I also saw her develop from a well-meaning person throwing her hat in the ring into a legitimate candidate who won over many voters in the primary.
In the ensuing years, Raz has continued to be involved with our local county party and supportive of our community, and I have gotten to know her on a more personal level. She is a working person, not retired, not rich, and so running for office is a demand on her that it might not be for other candidates, but she has taken it on.
It is difficult for rural Oregonians with our large eastern districts to cover all the ground, to reach all the voters to make the personal contact needed, and as Democrats to get over the political hurdles in mostly Republican areas. Our politics is difficult in these times and Raz is someone who can speak to and find common ground with just about anyone. She has a diverse resume and set of skills that prepare her for the job of legislating. She understands what it is to run for office and she is committed not only to getting elected but also to doing the work when she gets the job.
Prior to meeting up with Raz for my first conversation with her about her campaign for state senate seat 26 earlier this year, I was not sure if she was ready. Before the end of our conversation, I told her that I was 100% on board with her campaign because she is the right person at the right time.
Serena Smith, Chair of the Wasco County Democrats – The Dalles
Posted inEndorsements & Support