2025-06: HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MOSES ROSS

WHEREAS, Moses held several Multnomah County Dems officer and leadership positions. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2008, 2016, 2020, and 2024, was a long-time State Central Committee representative, and he participated prominently in many Multnomah County Democratic committees, DPO committees, and DPO caucuses. Significantly, Moses co-founded the DPO Latino Caucus, and—at the time of his passing—was working to re-organize the Small Business Caucus; and

WHEREAS, Moses was an engaged small business owner. Operating nationally recognized Smart Voter Contact and PoliticalRobocalls.com, Moses delivered frequent electoral wins and voter engagement for congressional and statewide campaigns, school board candidates, city councilors, county commissioners, state legislators, labor partners, non-profits, and state and local Democratic parties in Oregon and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Campaigns & Elections magazine recognized Moses and his company as a finalist for multiple Reed Awards. Moses won the 2013 Reed Award for Best Overall Use of a Telephone Town Hall (Washington State Rep. Larry Sequist). Moses also earned a prestigious Pollie Award and was recognized by the American Association of Political Consultants for excellence in polling and voter engagement; and

WHEREAS, Moses was a fierce advocate for his community. Serving as President of the Multnomah Neighborhood Association, he proudly established the first tiny pod village in SW Portland. Always an outspoken advocate for election reform, Moses served on the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee, which laid the groundwork for the successful City of Portland Honest Elections campaign securing more than 78% of approval from Portland voters; and

WHEREAS, Moses showed up. He did the dials, walked the turf, marched in the parades, and worked the tables. He was the conscience of Democratic Party. Endeavoring to find common ground and solutions for our most challenging issues,  Moses ensured equity, equality, and accessibility were centerpieces of his work. Ultimately, Moses was a consummate cheerleader for every organization and progressive cause he championed; and

WHEREAS, while it’s good to know more about our friends who have passed, it’s bittersweet to gain such knowledge when we can no longer congratulate them, thank them, or give them a hug for their good work; and

WHEREAS, we honor and remember Moses Ross for the kind of man he was — a tireless force for good, motivated by a deep desire to make people’s lives better; and

WHEREAS, whether running for office, taking on new Party responsibilities, expanding his business, or coordinating neighborhood projects, Moses dedicated himself to making the world a better place for all — and, above all, for his cherished daughter, Emma.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Democratic Party of Oregon honors the life and legacy of Moses Ross, recognizing him as a force for good whose dedication improved the lives of many across our state and within our Party.

Section 2. The Democratic Party of Oregon expresses its deep gratitude to our longtime friend, colleague, and joyful partner for his invaluable contributions. We will sorely miss Moses’ pure and happy heart, and we resolve that his spirit will continue to inspire our ongoing efforts to boldly make the world a better place for all.

Resolution Submitted by  Carl Fisher, CD 6; Carla “KC” Hanson, Stonewall Caucus; Matt Keating, Lane County; Carina Perez Europa, Latino Caucus; Michael C. Smith, Gun Owners Caucus; Mike Radway, Multnomah County; Bing Wong, Multnomah County; Tom Trotter, Multnomah County; Margaret Foley, Multnomah County; Eric Koszyk, Multnomah County; Cris Waller, Clackamas County; Ernie Yagger, Polk County; Les Ruark, Gilliam County; Chris Wig, Lane County; Priscilla Smith, Crook County; Adele Cerny, Grant County; Mark Cerny, Grant County; Clara Sroufe, Clatsop County; Becca Keating, Lane County; Deb Barnes, Clackamas County; Peter Chastain, Lake County; Addie Hutchinson, Coos County; Chrissy Erguiza, AAPI Caucus; Donna Nyberg, Labor Caucus; Wanda Davis, Veterans Caucus; Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, Education Caucus; Steph Newton-Azorr, DNC Member; Jacquenette McIntire, Multnomah County; Tom Karwaki, AAPI Caucus; Kim Schmith, Vice Chair; Lisa Cejka, Womxns Caucus; Kien Truong, DNC Member; Marcia Schneider, Multnomah County; Nathan Soltz, DPO Chair