Quick Facts
Biography
Mike Schaufler is a former Democratic member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 48 from 2003 to 2013.
After growing up and graduating from high school in Webster City, Iowa, Mike developed an early interest in politics. He was an active participant in student council throughout his time in school, ultimately attending the University of Iowa to pursue a B.A. in Political Science. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in 1984, he moved to Oregon in 1988.
After arriving in Oregon, Mike worked as a Laborer's Union member, rank and file, from 1988-1996. Since 1996, Mike has successfully operated his own small business, working as a contractor.
During his time in Oregon, Mike’s strong interest in politics has driven his involvement in local government, where he has held numerous positions. His experience in public service has exposed him to a wealth of issues and afforded him the opportunity to apply real solutions to make the community better.
Mike served in the following positions prior to his election to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2002:
Happy Valley City Council 1997-2000 Happy Valley Transportation Advisory Committee 1996 Metro's Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation, Alternate Clackamas County Concurrency Project, Transportation League of Oregon Cities General Government Committee Happy Valley Budget Committee Happy Valley Planning Commission Sunrise Water Authority Budget Committee He carries this broad experience and passion with him as he runs for a fifth term as the representative of House District 48. His dedication to a bright future for his family resonates with his deep concerns for his constituents. Mike’s efforts at the Capitol are aimed at ensuring a quality education for each child, along with strong working communities in Happy Valley and outer Southeast Portland.
In the fall of 2011, Schaufler was accused of groping a woman's breast at an AFL-CIO convention held in Eugene, Oregon. The incident was publicized in Oregon's premier newspaper, The Oregonian, and Schaufler's behavior was referred to as "highly inappropriate" by the State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. Shaufler later denied the incident by written statement, explaining, "A campaign worker and colleague of mine stuck a campaign sticker on my chest without my permission. I reacted by taking the sticker off of my chest and sticking it on her chest." Schaufler further described the incident as "innocent horseplay" and a "knee-jerk response."
Schaufler has also been criticized for his record of siding with republicans on various issues in the legislature, including stalling a healthcare bill. During Schaufler's campaign for the 2012 primary election, he was further criticized for accepting a $3,000 donation from the conservative Koch Industries, although Schaufler later returned the money after public backlash.