Akasha Lawrence Spence was sworn in as the newest member of the Oregon House of Representatives Friday. The Multnomah County Commission chose her to replace former House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, who resigned late last year to run for Secretary of State.
A Democrat, she now represents much of Portland’s west side in the House.
Lawrence Spence, a small business owner and civic activist, became the second African American serving in the chamber. Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, also a business owner, has served since since 2017.
County commissioners picked Lawrence Spence in part because she agreed not to run for the seat, which is being heavily contested in the May Democratic primary and will be decided in November.
Akasha Lawrence Spence installs her name plate on the desk where she will be seated during floor sessions of the Oregon House.Aaron Fiedler / Oregon House Democrats
Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson administered the oath of office. Then Lawrence Spence had her name added to the House’s electronic vote display and attached her name to the front of the desk where she will be seated during House floor sessions.
She has been named to the Judiciary Committee and the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety.
"There is no greater purpose in life than to live in service to others, so today, I want to thank you all for trusting me with the privilege of serving you, our community, our district, our county, and our state,” she said in her official remarks.
Democrats including House Majority Leader Barbara Smith-Warner, Treasurer Tobias Read, Gov. Kate Brown and fellow Multnomah County Rep. Alyssa Keny-Guyer were on hand for the swearing in.
— Hillary Borrud | hborrud@oregonian.com | 503-294-4034 | @hborrud
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