Peter Wedlake

Peter Wedlake

Legislative Strategist & Policy Professional

LinkedIn

Summary

Strategic legislative and policy leader with 8+ years of experience in state and federal government. Proven ability to translate complex policy issues into clear legislative action, build productive coalitions, and drive results on behalf of elected officials, including successful campaigns in Oregon and Congress.

Experience

Legislative Correspondent / Aide

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter

Jan 2025 – Present
  • Manage a fast-moving legislative portfolio of 150+ bills and appropriations priorities 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, reducing turnaround time by 20% and increasing stakeholder alignment.
  • Led initial policy development and stakeholder engagement for federal student homelessness relief and data center safeguards on public lands.
  • Build and sustain productive relationships with federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and district stakeholders to advance legislation with broad coalition support.

Campaign Manager

Maxine for Congress

Nov 2023 – Dec 2024
  • Directed all campaign operations for a successful congressional primary, including 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 issues.

Chief of Staff

Oregon State Rep. Maxine Dexter

Aug 2022 – Aug 2023
  • Developed and implemented legislative agenda with a focus on public health, housing, education, and good governance.
  • Led the Bipartisan Opioid Harm Reduction Package (HB 2395), building and managing a 60+ stakeholder coalition — including Multnomah County, state agencies, elected officials, and labor unions — while coordinating legislative strategy with the Speaker's office, House Majority, and Senate Majority.
  • Managed constituent communications, including biweekly newsletters to 3,000+ constituents, press releases, and public awareness campaigns on housing and opioid harm reduction in collaboration with the House Democratic Caucus.
  • Developed rubrics for equitable hiring and policy priority analysis.

Communications Director

Oregon State Rep. Maxine Dexter

Jan 2021 – Jun 2021
  • 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 group bill (HB 3039) and the Youth Suicide Reporting bill (HB 3037), managing stakeholder engagement and legislative coordination.
  • Contributed to the successful passage and signing of the Youth Suicide Reporting bill (HB 3037) into law.

Education

Oregon State University

BS, Political Science  ·  Concentration: Environmental and Energy Politics