Brent's Story

Oregon Native

Brent Barton is a third-generation Oregonian. Brent's father went to school in Estacada, where Brent's grandfather worked as a logger. Brent attended Oregon public schools and went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Stanford University. While in college, Brent worked for former Clackamas County Commissioner, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley. After college, Brent studied politics at Cambridge University before graduating from Harvard Law School.

While in law school, Brent worked as a criminal prosecutor, giving him a unique understanding of the public safety challenges posed by drug abuse and drunk driving.  Brent will be one of only a handful of legislators with public safety experience, making him a natural leader in combating the Meth crisis.

Brent returned home to Oregon after law school to work with many community leaders in Clackamas County and around the state in 2006 to build support for Governor Kulongoski's efforts to make new investments in schools and roads, more affordable health care, and a Rainy Day Fund.

Problem Solver

Brent is a lawyer who specializes in complex business problems and dispute resolution.  Brent understands the needs of Oregon's businesses, both small and large, and the necessity of creating more jobs in our state.  Brent has a strong record of tackling tough business problems by negotiating with the other side to achieve creative, workable solutions.  As a lawyer, Brent knows that negotiation, not expensive litigation, is usually the best answer for his client and the community.  Brent will bring this problem-solving approach to the partisan gridlock of Salem. 

Community Leader

Service is an important value for Brent, who provided many hours of free legal services to low-income clients and non-profit organizations in the last year.  Brent volunteers regularly to teach government and law in high school classrooms.  Brent also serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Ballet Theatre and the Oregon Bus Project.  As a member of the Bus Project, Brent has canvassed the state, listening to community concerns, helping the Bus Project register more than 20,000 new voters, and engaging thousands of Oregonians in the political process.

Have you met Brent in person yet?

I've been busy visiting voters and families in our community, working hard to listen and learn from citizens in Clackamas County.  My goal is to reach every household in our district before Election Day.

If we haven’t been to your doorstep yet, I’d like the opportunity to meet you and hear about your ideas and concerns. Please send me an email to see when we can talk in person.

I look forward to meeting you,

Brent