Maxine Dexter is a physician and public health advocate who brought her medical expertise to Congress after years working on the front lines of healthcare policy in Oregon. She has focused particularly on expanding access to reproductive healthcare and addressing the intersection of health equity and environmental justice. Before her election, Dexter served in Oregon's state legislature where she championed legislation to improve maternal mortality rates and increase healthcare workforce development. Her medical background has positioned her as a leading voice on health-related legislation and pandemic preparedness efforts.