Barbara Smith Warner

Barbara Smith Warner (born 1967) is an American Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Oregon. She served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives for the 45th district from 2014 to 2022.

Early life and education Born Barbara Smith in Erie, Pennsylvania, she is a graduate of Gannon University.

Career Warner worked as a labor organizer in Washington, D.C., ran the Oregon House Democratic Caucus, and served as a labor liaison for Senator Ron Wyden and has been active as a community organizer for affordable health care and education access. Multnomah County Commissioners appointed Smith Warner to fill Dembrow's seat in the Oregon House a few weeks later. She was sworn in on January 15, 2014, shortly before the 2014 Legislative Short Session. In July 2019, she was elected as Majority Leader by the Oregon House Democratic Caucus, and served until January 2022.

On March 7, 2022, Smith Warner announced she would retire from the legislature. She was succeeded by optometrist Thuy Tran, a fellow Democrat and a former member of the Parkrose School Board.

In February 2023, Smith Warner was named executive director of The National Vote at Home Institute.

Personal life Smith Warner and her husband Chris Warner, who served as chief of staff to former Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick, live in Portland's Rose City Park neighborhood with their two children.

Electoral history