Representative Willy Chotzen was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in November 2024 and is currently serving his first term representing House District 46. A lifelong advocate for equity and justice, Willy has dedicated his career to uplifting historically marginalized communities—first as a public school teacher and later as a public defender.
Born in Ashland, Willy now lives in Southeast Portland’s Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood with his wife and their two toddlers. As a middle school math teacher, he empowered students to use math as a tool for advocacy and change. Motivated by the systemic inequities his students faced, he pursued a law degree at Harvard, where he worked in a legal aid clinic fighting wage theft, evictions, and foreclosures, while also teaching an undergraduate economics course.
Later, as a Chief Attorney in Portland’s public defenders office, Willy trained and supervised new attorneys, shaped court policy, and advocated for his clients, both in the courtroom and in the community. His wife is a career educator and currently works for Portland Public Schools; together, they are raising two wonderful children, who remind them daily that a better, more equitable future is worth fighting for.
An optimist at heart, Willy ran for office because he believes that while many of our systems are broken, real solutions are possible when we work together. He is honored to represent House District 46 and is committed to leading the fight for a safer, healthier, and more equitable Oregon.
