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Politics & World • US Representative

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Lori Chavez-DeRemer is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lori Chavez-DeRemer is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 5th congressional district from 2023 to 2025 and as U.S. secretary of labor from 2025 to 2026. A Republican, she was the first Republican woman to represent Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early life and education

Chavez-DeRemer was born in California and later became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a business administration degree. Public sources describe her as a small businesswoman before and alongside her political career.

Political career

She began public service in 2002 on the Happy Valley Parks Committee and later served as mayor of Happy Valley from 2011 to 2019. She was elected to Congress in 2022 and served Oregon's 5th congressional district until 2025.

Secretary of Labor

Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th U.S. secretary of labor on March 11, 2025, following Senate confirmation. She served in the role until 2026.

Electoral significance

Her 2022 House victory was described as historic because she became the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Oregon. Her congressional district later changed hands again in the 2024 election.

Key facts

  • She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Oregon's 5th congressional district from 2023 to 2025.
  • She became U.S. secretary of labor in 2025 after being confirmed by the Senate on a 67–32 vote.
  • She previously served as mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, from 2011 to 2019.
  • She was the first Republican woman to represent Oregon in the U.S. House.
  • She was born in Santa Clara County, California, and is identified as a businesswoman and politician.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lori Chavez-DeRemer?
She is an American politician and businesswoman who served in the U.S. House and later as U.S. secretary of labor.
What political party does she belong to?
She is a member of the Republican Party.
What district did she represent in Congress?
She represented Oregon's 5th congressional district from 2023 to 2025.
When was she secretary of labor?
She served as U.S. secretary of labor from 2025 to 2026.
Was she the first woman Republican to represent Oregon in Congress?
Yes. She was the first Republican woman to represent Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives.

References

  1. Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/lori-chavez-deremer/C001135
    Supports: Congressional service, party affiliation, and office dates.
  2. U.S. Department of Labor — https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20250311
    Supports: Swearing-in as secretary of labor, Senate confirmation, and background details.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2025/02/19/nx-s1-5301097/lori-chavez-deremer-labor-department-confirmation-hearing
    Supports: Confirmation vote, labor secretary role, and election history.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Chavez-DeRemer
    Supports: Date of birth, mayoral service, and general biographical background.