His passion for education led him to a position with the American Federation of Teachers – Oregon, where he spent a decade advocating for Oregon’s teachers, faculty, healthcare workers, and academic support professionals. He went on to become the Associate Vice President of College Advancement for Portland Community College overseeing community outreach and working to secure student scholarship funding.
President Wagner's personal legislative agenda has centered on improving Oregon's K-12 schools and institutions of higher learning with a particular focus on promoting comprehensive education, creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and ensuring the well-being of students while at school.
President Wagner led the Democratic caucus during the COVID-19 pandemic as Senate Majority Leader, working with legislators and local leaders to support communities across the state with direct investments into schools, small businesses, and critical projects.
As Senate President, he seeks to lead with kindness, build and strengthen relationships with leaders across state government, and prioritize ideas over politics, knowing that good policies can come from all corners of Oregon. Under his leadership, the Senate has passed more than 90 percent of its legislation with bipartisan support, approved the largest K-12 and higher education budgets in state history, and tackled the biggest issues facing our state, including housing affordability and future-proof job growth.
President Wagner and his wife, Laurie, share four wonderful kids, three of whom are pursuing their educational futures at colleges across the country. An avid and lifelong hiker, one of President Wagner’s favorite views in all of Oregon is from the summit of South Sister in the Central Cascades. He also enjoys playing piano, singing and playing guitar.
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