Peter Wedlake

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

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Peter Wedlake
01

Drafting

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

02

Coalitions

Durable stakeholder support across agencies, advocates, and elected officials.

03

Communications

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

04

Strategy

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

About

Eight years bridging policy and politics across Oregon and Congress — where progressive analysis meets coalition strategy, and complex priorities become durable wins.

Selected work.

Experience
01
Jan 2025 — Present

Legislative Assistant

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter

U.S. House of Representatives

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

Campaign Manager

Maxine for Congress

Portland, OR

  • Directed all operations for a successful congressional general election — strategy, field, fundraising, and communications.
  • Built a coalition of 200+ volunteers, community leaders, and endorsers, driving sustained engagement and turnout.
  • Led data-backed policy positioning 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 a legislative agenda focused on public health, housing, education, and good governance.
  • Led the Bipartisan Opioid Harm Reduction Package (HB 2395) — managing a 60+ stakeholder coalition while coordinating strategy with the Speaker's office and both caucuses.
  • Managed constituent communications: biweekly newsletters to 3,000+ constituents, press releases, and awareness campaigns.
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.
  • Policy lead on the Electronic Health Records bill (HB 3039) and Youth Suicide Reporting bill (HB 3037).
  • Contributed to the successful passage and signing of HB 3037 into law.
Focus

Areas of expertise.

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

Where I studied.

Oregon State University

B.S., Political Science

Concentration: Environmental and Energy Politics