Chris Beck

Chris L. Beck (born May 29, 1963) is an American politician who served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003, representing the 12th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Oregon's 2nd congressional district in the 2026 elections.

Early life and education Beck was born on May 29, 1963 in Portland, Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Brown University in 1985 and later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Career Beck began his political career as a reading clerk for the Oregon Senate in 1987. From 1988 to 1990, he worked for the rail program of the Portland Office of Transportation. In 1991, he served as a staffer for the Oregon Senate's Agriculture and Natural Resources committee. He served three terms and was a member of the chamber's Ways and Means Subcommittee from 1997 to 1999.

Beck served as a rural policy advisor for the United States Department of Agriculture during the Obama administration, from 2010 to 2016. He is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Oregon's 2nd congressional district in the 2026 elections.

Beck has served as a volunteer election observer for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He is a trustee of the Henry Richmond Land Use Defense Fund and a board member of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge. He is also a supporter of 1000 Friends of Oregon and a consultant for the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.