Bend, OR – Oregon’s incoming Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, is forging a new path to safeguard the state’s progressive values against potential federal overreach under the Trump administration. Rather than seeking a significant increase in funding, Rayfield announced Thursday that he will establish a Federal Oversight and Accountability Cabinet, designed to foster direct communication between his office and advocacy groups, labor unions, and legal experts across the state.
The cabinet aims to be a proactive response to potential federal policies that could affect Oregon residents. Rayfield pointed to areas such as reproductive rights, environmental protections, immigration enforcement, and healthcare as likely targets for federal action under the new administration. By creating a direct line for impacted groups to inform his office about the effects of these policies, Rayfield hopes to position Oregon to respond quickly and effectively.
“This group is about creating a nimble response system,” Rayfield said, adding that the cabinet will act as a way for advocacy groups to alert his office when federal actions threaten the state’s values. “If there were an attack on reproductive health, for example, we will have feelers out into the community, so the state can be more responsive.”
The cabinet’s membership reflects a broad coalition of left-leaning organizations, including prominent public-sector labor unions, civil rights groups, and environmental organizations. Notable participants include:
- Joe Baessler, Executive Director of Oregon AFSCME Council 75
- Sandy Chung, Executive Director of the ACLU of Oregon
- Dr. Sara Kennedy, CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette
- Kyndall Mason, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon
- Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503
- Lindsey Scholten, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Rayfield emphasized that the group will not be about favoring particular interests but rather focusing on the issues where the state is most at risk from federal policies. The cabinet will serve as a resource to monitor federal actions and mobilize a response when needed, ensuring Oregon can act quickly to protect its residents.
The announcement of the cabinet comes as Democratic states across the country prepare for potential legal battles against a range of policies promised by President Donald Trump during his campaign. Many states, including Oregon, are anticipating renewed challenges to issues like healthcare, environmental protections, and civil rights.
Rayfield’s approach contrasts with that of other Democratic governors, such as California’s Gavin Newsom, who recently allocated $25 million to fund legal challenges to federal actions. In Oregon, however, Rayfield has indicated that the state’s existing resources may be sufficient to meet the need. Governor Tina Kotek’s recent budget proposal included a $2 million allocation for the Oregon Department of Justice to respond to federal actions, but Rayfield has expressed confidence that his office can handle the demands without significant additional funding.
“We have ways to creatively work within the DOJ to meet the needs in Oregon,” Rayfield said. “It’s about being resourceful and efficient with the tools we already have.”
The creation of the Federal Oversight and Accountability Cabinet has been met with support from various groups. Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503, said her members are particularly concerned about potential cuts to Medicaid, restrictions on abortion access, and immigration enforcement.
“If things emerge that do not uphold Oregon’s values or the ways voters have spoken, we want to be ready to engage in that discussion,” Unger said.
Joe Baessler of Oregon AFSCME also welcomed the initiative. He noted that previous interactions with the Attorney General’s office were often frustrating due to a lack of transparency and communication. “It’s good they are talking about how they communicate the work they’re doing,” Baessler said.
Rayfield has tasked two DOJ attorneys, Dustin Buehler and Fay Stetz-Waters, with leading the new advisory group, though no specific meeting dates have been set. The cabinet will function as a tool for gathering intel and ensuring Oregon’s legal strategies are aligned with the needs of those directly impacted by federal policies.
As Oregon prepares for potential legal challenges in the coming years, Rayfield’s cabinet offers a new approach to defending the state’s values — one built on collaboration, communication, and responsiveness.
