Tuesday November 19, 2024
Senator Kayse Jama, the first Somali-American and Black Muslim elected Majority Leader of the Oregon State Senate, photographed in Salem. (Photo credit: Sage Van Wing / Oregon Public Broadcasting)
PORTLAND, Oregon (HOL) — Senator Kayse Jama has been elected Majority Leader of the Oregon State Senate, becoming the first Somali-American and the first Black Muslim to hold this position. Jama, who represents the 24th District, was chosen by the Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the chamber. His election marks a significant milestone in representation for immigrant communities and people of colour.
Jama’s election follows a decision by Senate Democrats to replace Kathleen Taylor, who had held the role since June. Taylor’s tenure faced criticism after personnel changes within the Senate Majority Office led to tensions among Democratic senators. At a weekend retreat on the Oregon Coast, the 18-member caucus selected Jama to lead their legislative agenda heading into the 2025 session.
“This is an incredible honour and a profound responsibility,” Jama told the BBC Somali Service. “I look forward to serving my colleagues and constituents with dedication and integrity.”
Jama’s election reflects Oregon’s commitment to increasing diversity in leadership. He is one of four Black senators currently serving in the state legislature, a notable achievement in a state where communities of colour have historically been underrepresented.
“People from across Oregon—Somali-Americans, immigrants, and Oregonians of all backgrounds—have shown overwhelming support,” Jama said. “Their encouragement inspires me to work even harder.”
As Majority Leader, Jama chairs the Senate Housing and Development Committee and serves on several influential panels, including the Senate Labor and Business Committee, Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, and Joint Tax Expenditures Committee.
Jama’s journey began in Somalia, where he was born into a nomadic family. His life took a pivotal turn at the age of eight when he moved to Mogadishu to pursue his education. He completed high school against the backdrop of escalating conflict, leaving him no choice but to flee the civil war. After years as a refugee, he arrived in San Diego in 1998 and eventually Portland, Oregon, his home.
In 2003, Jama co-founded the Center for Intercultural Organizing, now Unite Oregon, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities and fostering equity for all Oregonians.
Between 2005 and 2007, Jama worked as a trainer for community leaders across five states, helping immigrant and refugee populations adapt to life in the U.S. His dedication to empowering displaced communities not only shaped his approach to public service and advocacy but also earned him widespread recognition, including the Portland Peace Prize in 2012.
Jama first entered the political arena in 2018, running in the Democratic primary for Oregon's 24th Senate District. Competing against incumbent Rod Monroe and challenger Shemia Fagan, Jama’s campaign highlighted his commitment to community-driven change. Although Fagan ultimately won the primary and went on to secure the general election, Jama’s bid laid the groundwork for his eventual appointment to the Oregon Senate in 2021.
In 2021, Jama was appointed to the Oregon Senate to fill a vacancy. He represents District 24, which encompasses parts of East Portland and North Clackamas. He secured a full term in November 2022. As a senator, he has championed initiatives addressing housing affordability, economic opportunity, and environmental justice.
While Jama’s appointment signals a fresh direction for Senate Democrats, he enters a legislative environment fraught with partisan tensions. Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham criticized Democratic leadership, citing issues of governance and partisan power grabs. Bonham’s comments reflect broader frustrations among Republicans, who walked out of the chamber in 2023 over contentious bills on gun control and transgender care.
Senate President Rob Wagner, the chamber’s top Democrat, has committed to fostering collaboration despite these challenges. Wagner, who retains authority over committee assignments and legislative priorities, has expressed confidence in Jama’s ability to navigate the complexities of the upcoming session.
Jama’s election spotlights the growing political influence of Somali-Americans in the United States. While Minnesota remains a hub of Somali political engagement, Jama’s success in Oregon demonstrates the diaspora’s expanding reach into new regions.
Reflecting on his journey, Jama said, “Everything comes down to hard work and faith in God.”