Suzanne Bonamici

Suzanne Marie Bonamici (/ˌbɒnəˈmiːtʃi/ BONN-ə-MEE-chee; born October 14, 1954) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 1st congressional district, a seat she was first elected to in a 2012 special election. The district includes most of Portland west of the Willamette River, most of Washington County, and all of Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook counties.

Suzanne Bonamici
Official portrait, 2012
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 31, 2012
Preceded by	David Wu
Member of the Oregon Senate from the 17th district
In office May 19, 2008 – November 21, 2011
Preceded by	Brad Avakian
Succeeded by	Elizabeth Steiner
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 34th district
In office January 2, 2007 – May 19, 2008
Preceded by	Brad Avakian
Succeeded by	Chris Harker
Personal details
Born	Suzanne Marie Bonamici (1954-10-14) October 14, 1954 (age 70) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Michael Simon
Children	2
Relatives	Neil Simon (through marriage)
Education	Lane Community College University of Oregon (BA, JD)
Signature
Website	House website

A Democrat, Bonamici represented the 17th district in the Oregon State Senate from 2008 to 2011.^[1] She was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2006.

Early life, education, and legal career

Bonamici was born in Detroit. She earned an associate degree from Lane Community College in 1978, and a bachelor's degree in 1980 and J.D. in 1983, both from the University of Oregon.^[2] After college, she became a legal assistant at Lane County Legal Aid in Eugene. After law school, she became a consumer protection attorney for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. She went into private practice in Portland and represented small businesses.^[3]

Oregon legislature

Elections

In 2006, incumbent Democratic State Representative Brad Avakian decided to retire to run for the Oregon Senate. Bonamici ran for the open seat in Oregon's 34th House district and defeated Republican Joan Draper, 62%-36%.^[4]

On April 30, 2008, commissioners from Washington and Multnomah Counties appointed Bonamici to represent Oregon's 17th Senate district. The seat became vacant when Avakian was appointed Commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.^[5] She was sworn in on May 19, 2008.

Bonamici was unopposed in the November 2008 special election for the balance of Avakian's four-year term, and was elected with 97% of the vote.^[6] In 2010, she was reelected with 64% of the vote.^[7]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

Special election

Main article: 2012 Oregon's 1st congressional district special election

Bonamici during the 112th Congress

In early 2011, Bonamici was mentioned as a possible successor to Representative David Wu after The Oregonian and Willamette Week reported that Wu exhibited odd behavior and clashed with his staff amid apparent mental illness during the 2010 election cycle.^[8] After Wu resigned from Congress, Bonamici announced her candidacy for the special election to replace him,^[9] touting endorsements from former Governor Barbara Roberts, former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse, and incumbent Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, among others.^[10]

On November 8, 2011, Bonamici won the Democratic Party of Oregon's nomination, with a majority of the vote in every county in the district and 66% of the vote overall, a 44-point margin over second-place finisher Brad Avakian. She defeated Republican nominee Rob Cornilles in the January 31, 2012, special election^[11] by a 14-point margin.^[12]

Before her election to Congress, Bonamici resigned from the Oregon Senate on November 21,^[13] and was replaced by Elizabeth Steiner Hayward in December.^[14]

2012 regular election

See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon § District 1

In November 2012, Bonamici was reelected to her first full term with over 60% of the vote.^[15]

Tenure

Bonamici with Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson

On July 31, 2014, Bonamici introduced the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2014 (H.R. 5309; 113th Congress) into the House.^[16] The bill would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to spend $27 million a year for three years on their ongoing tsunami warning and research programs.^[17]

Bonamici speaks at a town hall meeting in Sherwood in April 2017

Bonamici said, "the coastlines of the United States already play an integral role in the economic prosperity of this country and we must strengthen their preparedness and resiliency so they can continue to play that role going forward."^[17] She added that the bill "will improve the country's understanding of the threat posed by tsunami events" because it will "improve forecasting and notification systems, support local community outreach and preparedness and response plans, and develop supportive technologies."^[18]

In January 2023, Bonamici was one of 13 cosponsors of an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older.^[19]

During the 117th Congress, Bonamici voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 99.1% of the time according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.^[20] She was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.^[21]

Bonamici voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.^[22][23]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Science, Space and Technology
  • United States House Science Subcommittee on Environment
  • United States House Science Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight
• Committee on Education and the Workforce
  • Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services (Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training
• Select Committee on the Climate Crisis

Caucuses memberships

• Congressional STEAM Caucus^[24]
• Congressional Progressive Caucus.^[25]
• Congressional Arts Caucus^[26]
• Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus^[27]
• Climate Solutions Caucus^[28]
• Medicare for All Caucus
• Congressional Coalition on Adoption^[29]
• Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment^[30]

Electoral history

Oregon Legislature

2006 Oregon State Representative, 34th district ^[31]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Suzanne Bonamici	11,780	61.5
	Republican	Joan Draper	6,902	36.0
	Libertarian	Gregory F. Rohde	439	2.3
	Write-in		27	0.1
Total votes			19,148	100%

2008 Oregon State Senator, 17th district ^[32]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Suzanne Bonamici	44,475	96.9
	Write-in		1,423	3.1
Total votes			45,898	100%

2010 Oregon State Senator, 17th district ^[33]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Suzanne Bonamici	32,281	64.0
	Republican	Stevan C Kirkpatrick	18,041	35.8
	Write-in		87	0.2
Total votes			50,409	100%

United States Congress

Oregon's 1st congressional district: Results 2012–2024^{[34][35][36][37]}

Year		Democratic	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2012 (Special)		Suzanne Bonamici	113,404	53.8%		Rob Cornilles	83,396	39.6%		Steve Reynolds	Progressive	6,798	3.2%		James Foster	Libertarian	6,618	3.1%		Write-ins		547	0.3%
2012			197,845	59.6%		Delinda Morgan	109,699	33.0%				15,009	4.5%	*	Bob Ekstrom	Constitution	8,918	2.7%				509	0.2%
2014			160,038	57.3%		Jason Yates	96,245	34.5%		James Foster	Libertarian	11,213	4.0%		Steve Reynolds	Pacific Green	11,163	4.0%				597	0.2%
2016			225,391	59.6%		Brian Heinrich	139,756	37.0%		Kyle Sheahan		12,257	3.2%		Write-ins		691	0.2%
2018			231,198	63.6%		John Verbeek	116,446	32.1%		Drew Layda		15,121	4.2%				484	0.1%
2020			297,071	64.6%		Christopher Christensen	161,928	35.2%		Write-ins		900	0.2%
2022			210,682	67.9%		Christopher Mann	99,042	31.9%		Write-ins		519	0.2%
2024			241,556	68.6%		Bob Todd	98,908	28.1%		Joe Christman	Libertarian	10,840	3.1%		Write-ins		687	0.2%

* In the 2012 election, Steve Reynolds was co-nominated by the Libertarian and Pacific Green parties.^[38]

Personal life

Bonamici is married to Michael H. Simon, a federal judge.^[39] They have two children. Bonamici was raised Episcopalian and Unitarian, and subsequently converted to Judaism.^[40][41] She attends Congregation Beth Israel with her husband (who was born Jewish), and their children.^[42][43]

See also

• Women in the United States House of Representatives

References

1. "Suzanne Bonamici makes legislative resignation official". The Oregonian. November 21, 2011. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
2. "Legislator Information Database". ddcapp.oklegislature.gov. Oklahoma Legislature. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
3. "About Suzanne | Suzanne Bonamici for Congress". Bonamiciforcongress.com. January 31, 2012. Archived from the original on October 31, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
4. "OR State House 34 Race - Nov 07, 2006". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
5. "Bonamici named to replace Avakian in state Senate". Beaverton Valley Times. May 1, 2008.
6. "OR State Senate 17 - Special Election Race - Nov 04, 2008". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
7. "OR State Senate 17 Race - Nov 02, 2010". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
8. "Oregon Democratic leaders say they hope Wu gets help, put off talk of his political future". The Oregonian. OregonLive. February 19, 2011. Archived from the original on February 22, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
9. "Bonamici announces bid for Wu's seat in Congress". Statesman Journal. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
10. "Endorsements". Bonamici for Congress. Archived from the original on October 1, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
11. "Oregon - County Vote Results". Associated Press. November 9, 2011. Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
12. "January 31, 2012, Special Election Abstracts of Votes Representative in Congress, 1st District Official Results". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
13. "Physician to sit in state seat". The Hillsboro Argus. December 22, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
14. Mapes, Jeff (December 21, 2011). "A Washington County commissioner at sea casts decisive vote to fill Oregon Senate seat". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
15. Brown, Kate. "2012 election results". OR STATE SEC OF STATE. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
16. "H.R. 5309 - All Actions". United States Congress. September 9, 2014. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
17. Marcos, Cristina (September 8, 2014). "House passes bill to authorize tsunami forecasting programs". The Hill. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
18. "Representative Bonamici Introduces Bipartisan Tsunami Warning Bill". Safer Coastlines. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
19. "H.J.Res.16 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens sixteen years of age or older". Congress.gov. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
20. Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
21. Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). "Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no". The Hill. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
22. Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
23. Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
24. "Congressional STEAM Caucus". Americans for the Arts. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
25. "Caucus Members". Congressional Progressive Caucus. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
26. "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
27. "Members". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Archived from the original on May 14, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
28. "90 Current Climate Solutions Caucus Members". Citizen´s Climate Lobby. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
29. "Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute".
30. "Membership". Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
31. "Official Results | November 7, 2006". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
32. "Official Results | November 4, 2008". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
33. "Official Results November 2, 2010". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
34. "January 31, 2012, Special Election Official Results". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
35. "Election Statistics, 1920 to Present". History, Art and Archives United States House of Representatives. United States House of Representatives Office of the Historian. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
36. "Official Results of November General" (PDF). Oregon Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
37. "November 5, 2024, General Election Abstract of Votes" (PDF). Oregon Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
38. "Voters' Pamphlet, Oregon General Election, November 6, 2012". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
39. Duin, Steve (August 6, 2011). "In the wake of David Wu case, accusations fly in Oregon's First District". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on October 13, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
40. Kampeas, Ron (October 16, 2018). "A guide to the Jewish Democratic House candidates in the 2018 midterm elections". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
41. @kampeas (March 14, 2022). "Register" (Tweet). Retrieved July 28, 2023 – via Twitter.
42. "Suzanne Bonamici". The Oregonian. Oregon Special Election voter guide. Archived from the original on January 1, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
43. "162nd Annual Meeting" (PDF). Congregation Beth Israel. Portland, Oregon. May 27, 2020. p. 10. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.

External links

• Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici official U.S. House website
• Suzanne Bonamici for Congress
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Appearances on C-SPAN

Oregon House of Representatives
Preceded by Brad Avakian	Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 34th district 2007–2008	Succeeded by Chris Harker
Oregon Senate
Preceded by Brad Avakian	Member of the Oregon Senate from the 17th district 2008–2011	Succeeded by Elizabeth Steiner Hayward
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by David Wu	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st congressional district 2012–present	Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by Mark Amodei	United States representatives by seniority 97th	Succeeded by Suzan DelBene