Diego Hernandez (politician)
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Diego Hernandez | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 47th district | |
| In office January 9, 2017 – March 15, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Jessica Vega Pederson |
| Succeeded by | Andrea Valderrama |
| Member of the Reynolds School District Board | |
| Assumed office 2013 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1986 or 1987 (age 38–39) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Oregon Portland State University |
Diego Hernandez (born 1986/87) is an American Democratic politician who served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021. He represented the 47th district, which covers parts of east Portland.
Hernandez graduated from Reynolds High School in Troutdale, and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon and with a master's degree from Portland State University. He became a teacher and was elected to the Reynolds School District Board in 2012, becoming its first Hispanic member, on which he still serves despite being elected to the House.[1] Hernandez was appointed to the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs in 2014.[2][3]
Hernandez was elected to the House in 2016 to succeed the retiring Jessica Vega Pederson, defeating Independent Party of Oregon candidate Michael Langley with 67% of the vote.[4][5][6]
In 2020 Hernandez was accused of sexual harassment by seven women, prompting calls for his resignation from then House Speaker Tina Kotek and other Democrats.[7] On May 4, 2020 the interim House Conduct Committee required Hernandez to provide 24-hours’ notice before entering the Capitol and ordered no contact with his accusers.[7] Facing the possibility of being the first legislator ever expelled from the Oregon House, Hernandez announced his resignation on February 22, 2021,[8] which took effect on March 15, 2021.[9]
Personal life
Hernandez, who was 29 at the time of election, was the youngest person serving in the Oregon legislature. He is unmarried. He is now using the alias "Juan Hernandez".[2]