Peter Wedlake
★ Legislative · Strategic · Steady ★

Policy.
Coalition.
Results.

Peter Wedlake — legislative strategist & policy professional. From Portland, working out of Congress.

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01

Drafting

Legislation, briefings, and memos that turn complex policy into real-world solutions.

02

Coalitions

Building durable stakeholder support across agencies, advocates, and elected officials.

03

Communications

Constituent newsletters, press strategy, and narrative work that lands with real audiences.

04

Strategy

Floor, committee, and campaign strategy grounded in community, data, and political reality.

About — 01

Eight years bridging policy and politics across Oregon and Congress. I work where progressive analysis meets coalition strategy — drafting legislation, building stakeholder support, and turning complex priorities into durable wins for the people elected officials serve.

Selected work.

02 — Experience
01
Jan 2025 — Present

Legislative Correspondent / Aide

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter

U.S. House of Representatives

  • Manage a fast-moving legislative portfolio across technology, financial services, foreign policy, national security, and animal welfare — delivering actionable analysis and strategic recommendations.
  • Draft high-impact briefings, memos, and constituent responses for the Congresswoman.
  • Build and sustain productive relationships with federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and district stakeholders to advance legislation with broad coalition support.
02
Nov 2023 — Dec 2024

Campaign Manager (promoted from Senior Advisor)

Maxine for Congress

Portland, OR

  • Directed all campaign operations for a successful congressional general election — strategy, field, fundraising, and communications.
  • Built and coordinated a coalition of 200+ volunteers, community leaders, and endorsers, driving sustained engagement and turnout.
  • Led data-backed policy positioning and narrative strategy across housing, public health, labor, and economic justice.
03
Aug 2022 — Aug 2023

Chief of Staff

Oregon State Rep. Maxine Dexter

Oregon State Capitol

  • Developed and implemented a legislative agenda focused on public health, housing, education, and good governance.
  • Led the Bipartisan Opioid Harm Reduction Package (HB 2395) — building and managing a 60+ stakeholder coalition with Multnomah County, state agencies, elected officials, and labor unions, while coordinating strategy with the Speaker's office and both caucuses.
  • Managed constituent communications: biweekly newsletters to 3,000+ constituents, press releases, and public awareness campaigns on housing and opioid harm reduction.
04
Jan 2021 — Jun 2021

Communications Director

Oregon State Rep. Maxine Dexter

Oregon State Capitol

  • Led communications strategy and brand development, enhancing the Representative's public profile and community recognition.
  • Served as policy lead on the Electronic Health Records stakeholder bill (HB 3039) and the Youth Suicide Reporting bill (HB 3037).
  • Contributed to the successful passage and signing of HB 3037 into law.
Focus — 03

Areas of expertise.

Legislative drafting Coalition building Stakeholder management Policy analysis Strategic communications Campaign management Constituent outreach Federal appropriations Bipartisan negotiation Crisis communications
Education — 04

Where I studied.

Oregon State University

B.S., Political Science

Concentration: Environmental and Energy Politics