Ben is a middle school teacher and father who is serving in his second term in the Oregon House of Representatives. He is Chair of the House Environment and Water Committee, and is a member of the Health Care Committee. He lives with his wife Liz and daughter Evelyn in the Montavilla neighborhood of East Portland. 

Oregonian, Rhodes Scholar

Ben and his family moved to Oregon when he was five, settling at the foot of Mt. Tabor in SE Portland. His family later moved to West Linn, where his father was director of a pre-school, and he graduated from West Linn High School in 1994. Ben attended Washington University in St. Louis.

After a year-long stint as a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Ben received a Rhodes Scholarship in recognition of his service, scholarship, and leadership. At Oxford University, England, he received two degrees: one in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE); the other in Comparative and International Education.

Classroom Teacher

Forgoing opportunities in finance and consulting, Ben returned to Portland to be a teacher. While Liz, his wife, earned her teacher training and certification, Ben took a position teaching Humanities to 6-8 graders at the Arbor School of Arts and Sciences, an elementary school in Tualatin, where he continues to work today.

Public Servant

As a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Bus Project, Ben has traveled to swing districts around the state, educating voters about state government and asking them to support progressive candidates for the Legislature. He also served on a research committee of the City Club of Portland on early childhood education, which published recommendations to policymakers and to the community.

In 2006, Ben was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives with over 76 percent of the vote. During his first term in Salem, Ben worked to expand the Bottle Bill, create an electronic waste recycling program, and commit the state to renewable energy. He also helped write Senate Bill 329, which created a blueprint for universal health care in Oregon.

Ben was re-elected in 2008. During his second term, Ben chaired the House Environment and Water Committee. This committee was responsible for landmark legislation protecting water supplies and reducing carbon emissions from vehicle fuels. In recognition of his efforts, he was named "Environmental Champion of the Year" by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

Husband and Father

Ben and Liz are the parents of Evelyn (born in June during the hectic final days of the 2007 Legislative Session). Avid outdoors enthusiasts, Ben and Liz love to hike, camp, and travel. Ben is a runner and cyclist who has competed in various events, including the Hood to Coast relay and the Rose Festival Duathalon.