Akasha Lawrence-Spence facts for kids

Akasha Lawrence Spence official headshot

Akasha Lawrence-Spence is an American politician. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She has served in important roles in the state of Oregon. She worked in both the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon State Senate. These are parts of the state's government.

What is a State Legislator?

A state legislator is a person who helps make laws for a state. They work in a building called the State Capitol. In Oregon, the main law-making group is called the Oregon Legislative Assembly. It has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• The House of Representatives has more members. They usually serve for shorter terms.
• The State Senate has fewer members. They serve for longer terms.

Both groups work together to create and vote on new laws. These laws affect everyone living in the state.

Akasha Lawrence-Spence's Role

Akasha Lawrence-Spence was chosen to represent people in Oregon. She helped make decisions about important issues. These issues could include schools, roads, or healthcare. She worked to make life better for the people in her district. A district is an area that a politician represents.

Her Time in the House of Representatives

Akasha Lawrence-Spence first joined the Oregon House of Representatives. This happened on January 17, 2020. She was chosen to fill a spot that became empty. The previous representative, Jennifer Williamson, had left her position. She left to try for a different job.

How She Was Appointed

When a politician leaves office early, someone new needs to take their place. In Oregon, a group called the Multnomah County Commission chose Akasha Lawrence-Spence. They picked her because she was from the same political party. This rule helps keep things fair. She served the 36th district. She did not run for re-election after this term.

Moving to the State Senate

In November 2021, Akasha Lawrence-Spence was asked to serve in a new role. She was appointed to the Oregon State Senate. This happened because another senator, Ginny Burdick, had resigned. Resigned means she stepped down from her job.

Serving the 18th District

As a state senator, Akasha Lawrence-Spence represented the 18th district. She continued to work on important laws for Oregon. Her term in the Senate ended on January 9, 2023. She helped make decisions that impacted many people.

Other Public Service

Before becoming a state legislator, Akasha Lawrence-Spence also served the community. She was a member of the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission. This group helps plan how the city of Portland grows. They also work on making the city more environmentally friendly.