DPO Staff

Candy Emmons is the Deputy Director of the Democratic Party of Oregon.

Candy is a 5th Generation Oregonian, raised in Salem, Oregon. Candy became interested in local politics and government at a young age when she met Governor Barbara Roberts at the Capitol in Salem on a visit with her Girl Scout Troop.

Candy has volunteered for a variety of campaigns and issues including LGBTQ+ and Reproductive Healthcare issues, working as an Organizing Fellow for President Obama’s 2012 Campaign, and serving as the Vice-Chair of the Benton County Democrats.

In 2016, after many years working in Youth and Camp program management, Candy joined the Democratic Party of Oregon Staff and is glad to put her skills to work helping to defend working families, immigrants, veterans, and other vulnerable populations through her work with the Democratic Party. Candy lives in Portland with her husband Vaughn and their dogs, Dobby & Rosie.

In his role as Data Director for the Democratic Party of Oregon, Jonathan empowers campaigns across Oregon to run more effective, data-driven programs.

Jonathan got his start in politics knocking on doors for Democratic candidates in 2004 and phone banking for Senator Merkley in 2008. His desire to give back to the community began in the Boy Scouts of America, and has continued with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a mentor and advisory board member. Jonathan has also volunteered to create, administer and analyze surveys in Spanish for the Mexican Consulate at community health fairs.

As a lifelong Oregonian, Jonathan has focused his career around better understanding human behaviors, attitudes and beliefs. Majoring in Social Science Research and Spanish at Portland State University, he has pursued his passion to utilize data for social and political change. After graduating, Jonathan taught English in Argentina and traveled throughout South America.

Claire is the Development Director for the Democratic Party of Oregon.

Claire was raised in the Portland area, but left Oregon to attend Trinity University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication. Afterwards, Claire attended the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and received a Master’s of Nonprofit Organizations.

Upon graduation Claire moved back to the Portland area where she served an AmeriCorps year at Schoolhouse Supplies.

In her free time, Claire enjoys cooking, cross country skiing and spending time with her dog, Riley.

Eric Smith is the Digital Director.

Negar Hosseini-Nasab is the Deputy Development Director.

Alyx Schaefer is a dedicated political enthusiast who hails from Wisconsin. With a background deeply rooted in public service, Alyx initially served with the people of Oregon when she worked at the Department of Justice. Alyx’s journey into politics was ignited during the 2022 Midterms when she temporarily returned to her home state of Wisconsin. There, she assumed the role of Deputy Director of Operations for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, where she played a pivotal role in orchestrating campaign logistics and operations. Currently serving as the Deputy Operations Coordinator for the DPO, Alyx is the logistical powerhouse behind the scenes. Her expertise spans various fields, including restorative justice, psychology, and criminal justice, which uniquely equip her to tackle the multifaceted challenges of political operations. With a passion for service and a knack for strategic planning, Alyx is committed to driving positive change within her community and beyond.

Born in the Bay Area, I left to obtain bachelors degree in Public Health at the University of Nevada in Reno. I relocated to the PNW after my wife and I fell in love with the views and people. I have a passion for all things Public Health and Health Promotion. I worked with constituency groups at my former company as an Organizer for the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Living With Disabilities groups. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time with my wife, our 3 dogs, 1 cat and our box tortoise. Also lover of food, and of “dad jokes.”