Keri Lopez, candidate for Oregon House 53rd District

Party:
Republican

Occupation:
Operations, Home Builder

Relevant Experience:
Director, Redmond School Board 2021-Present
High Desert Education Service District Budget Committee 2023-Present

Personal Information:

Age: 44
Husband: Jerod Lopez, two school-aged children in the Redmond School District
Resides in Tumalo, Oregon

Website: kerilopez.com

Facebook: facebook.com/kerilopezfororegon

Instagram: @kerilopezfororegon

What qualifications and/or experience do you believe make you the best candidate to fill this position?

Being an effective Representative requires you to actively engage in the district you are from, rather than an agenda from Portland. My experience on the school board and in the community has taught me I need to be a fierce representative of Central Oregon and am capable of doing so. With my experience on the school board, building homes with my husband and cheering on students at extracurricular activities with hundreds (if not thousands) of families, I feel I have a strong grasp on what people are looking for in their HD 53 Representative.

What are the top two issues you see facing those in this role, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Homelessness/housing is driving much of the discussions today, especially when we talk about public safety and the cost of living in Central Oregon. In the homelessness space, we have a true mental health crisis happening, coupled with a drug epidemic. We need investments in mental health and drug treatment facilities urgently to get folks the help they need and off the streets. We need to take decisive action on where homeless individuals can stay, as the severe risk of wildfires threatening neighborhoods demands it.  The state must empower local leaders by removing restrictions and giving them the authority to address this issue effectively. 

The housing problem and high home prices in Central Oregon will persist until we open up more land and reduce governmental obstacles to allow the market to address the issue.  With the economy slowing, a market correction may be on the horizon.

2. Education is the primary topic of conversation with my friends and neighbors regarding Oregon’s future.  I’ve been at the forefront of this discussion, during very challenging times, and have led the way in achieving positive results despite the challenges. I am committed to fully funding our schools, refocusing state standards on academic excellence, and hiring and retaining exceptional teachers - because students, families, and the Central Oregon Community deserve better outcomes.