Seeking a second term, West Linn’s Rep. Walters excited to continue leading HD37

In her first term as the representative for Oregon’s House District 37, which covers West Linn, Tualatin, Stafford and Durham, Jules Walters’ biggest lesson was the importance of showing up for work.

Walters’ first legislative session was largely defined by the 2023 Republican walkout that lasted six weeks.

“The people who elected me expected me to show up and do the work,” Walters said. “That’s the biggest lesson I learned: When you make a pledge to serve, you need to serve.”

Now seeking a second term, Walters is excited to continue the work she began when first elected in 2022. But a second term isn’t guaranteed. Walters faces challenger Brian Maguire in the May 21 Democratic primary. The winner of the primary will go on to face Republican Ben Edtl in the November general election. Edtl is the only Republican running for House District 37.

If reelected, Walters said her first priority is to continue the fight against tolling. The state has paused years-long efforts to toll I-5 and I-205 through the Portland Metro area, but the Legislature could decide to put tolling back on the table with a large package of transportation legislation expected in the 2025 legislative session.

“I was really proud that Rep. (Courtney) Neron, Rep. (Annessa) Hartmann and I drew up a bill that would have shut down the tolling plan altogether and that helped move the dial for the governor to take a look at the tolling issue,” Walters said.

As the Legislature works out a new transportation package, Walters said it’s critical lawmakers have frank discussions with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

“I’ve asked many times, ‘What is the number they’re looking for? How much money and revenue do they need to fully support maintenance on our roads and also fund future transportation projects?’ And I’ve never gotten an answer on that, so it’s hard to solve the problem when we don’t know exactly how big the problem is,” she said.

Walters noted the state needs to find money for transportation projects to fix issues like potholes on Highway 43 and traffic congestion at Nyberg Road.

Despite the 2023 walkout, Walters noted she was able to work across the aisle with Republicans to pass critical legislation. Though there are areas of disagreement between her and her Republican colleagues, she noted the importance of finding the areas where they do agree so they can work together to push through important bills.

The incumbent also said she wants to continue working to make living in Oregon more affordable. She mentioned she’s heard from many constituents about the high cost of living and noted last year’s CHIPS child care bill was a first step to providing some relief for families.

“Overall my focus is on helping Oregonians and especially working families and kids,” she said.

As an elected official for over five years now — beginning as member of West Linn City Council in 2019, followed by two years as mayor of West Linn and two years in the Oregon House of Representatives — Walters is confident in her ability to continue leading the district.

“I take the people’s trust in me to heart. I don’t take it for granted,” she said. “I want to keep working hard to make sure that this district is the best place for everyone.”