Maxine Dexter — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Oregon, 2026

Maxine Dexter opposes federal funding for immigration enforcement and voted against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding due to concerns about "inhumane policies." She introduced legislation to defund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reallocate its $175 billion budget to housing solutions. Dexter advocates for meaningful reforms to end militarized policing practices and supports legal pathways for immigration, stating enforcement should not be cruel.

“As a physician, a mother, and a representative of a community that has been directly harmed by this administration’s inhumane policies, I could not give a single cent to an agency that sows fear in our neighborhoods." — Maxine Dexter, dexter.house.gov, January 28, 2026.”

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter voted against a government funding bill and a GOP budget blueprint, citing concerns about insufficient provisions for affordable healthcare and cuts to Medicaid. She criticized a Senate agreement for failing to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and address rising healthcare costs, emphasizing that communities deserve better. Dexter advocates for urgent healthcare reforms and is committed to restoring enhanced ACA tax credits.

“As a physician, I’ve watched what happens when people are priced out of care. Patients delay treatment, they skip medications and they suffer in silence. No one should be forced to choose between a doctor’s visit and groceries. Let me be clear: the legislation that passed is a failure to meet the needs of my constituents who cannot afford their healthcare. I cannot and did not support it. But this fight is far from over. I’m committed to restoring the enhanced ACA tax credits and lowering costs across the board — and your voice is critical." - Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, from her blog post "No Healthcare? No deal.", dexter.house.gov/media/blog-post/no-healthcare-no-deal”

Maxine Dexter views the climate crisis as an existential threat impacting health and well-being, particularly for disadvantaged communities. She introduced the Climate Health Emergency Act to declare the climate crisis a public health emergency. Dexter voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R.4758) and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act (H.R.4626). She advocates for clean air and water, renewable energy, and holding polluting corporations accountable.

“I will continue to [...] prioritize the health of people and our environment. I'm fighting for: A healthy planet: Clean air and water, expand renewable energy, increase clean domestic manufacturing, protect our forests, hold polluting corporations accountable. (Maxine Dexter, Candidate Statement, January 2026)”

Maxine Dexter advocates for the protection of abortion rights, proposing to codify Roe v. Wade and safeguard contraception and IVF. She has stated her commitment to protecting clinicians and patients. Dexter also co-sponsored a joint resolution to block a VA rule that would reduce access to abortion care for veterans. She received an endorsement from Reproductive Freedom for All.

“I will continue to fight to protect abortion rights, make historic investments in housing, and prioritize the health of people and our environment. (Maxine Dexter, Candidate Statement, January 2026)”

Representative Maxine Dexter advocates for prioritizing peace in the Middle East, expressing horror over the conflict in Israel and Gaza due to the humanitarian impact on civilians. She has referred to U.S. immigration enforcement as "terrorism" and stated she would support dismantling ICE if there is a change in political will. Additionally, she criticizes unauthorized military actions by the President, such as those in Venezuela, for threatening global stability and undermining U.S. credibility.

“I’m not supposed to get political, but if there’s a change in political will, then we can absolutely dismantle and abolish ICE altogether," Maxine Dexter, during a town hall at Wy'east Middle School, as reported by Fox News.”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Maxine Dexter opposed Rep. Wittman’s Protecting Hunters and Anglers Act, citing the importance of safe meat for hunters and anglers. She stated that individuals deserve to have safe meat to eat. This position reflects a stance on regulations affecting hunting practices, particularly concerning lead ammunition and its potential impact on food safety and wildlife, a bill which the gun industry supported.

““Our hunters and our fisher and our anglers also deserve to have safe meat to, um, eat,” the congresswoman stated. “And we cannot catch fish and deer anywhere near as easily as we do our crustaceans and shellfish that do not move anywhere near as quickly.” — Rep. Maxine Dexter, NSSF.org, July 2, 2025”