A woman outdoors wearing a hat with a wide brim, a dark blue blouse, and earrings with a butterfly and butterfly wing design. She has long braided hair. The sunlight filters through the trees behind her, creating lens flares and a bright background.

I’m Melissa Bird

I am a fighter, a mother, a small business owner, and a proud descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. I’m running for Congress in Oregon’s 4th District to dig up what’s broken and build something bold in its place.

With a PhD in social work, my lived experience in the field, along with being a lay preacher, wife of a veteran, and survivor of a system that was never built for me — or most of us — fuels my campaign. I’ve been told to wait my turn, to settle for scraps, to lower my voice. I’m done with that. I’ve seen what happens when the government fails to meet people’s basic needs, and I’m ready to do something about it.

As a nationally recognized speaker, policy strategist, and unapologetic advocate for working people, I bring both fire and fluency to the fight. I’ve battled for reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access, and I will fight for the rights of Indigenous communities.

I live in Corvallis with my husband, three kids, two dogs, and one three-legged cat. When I’m not working, you’ll find me sipping Earl Grey with heavy cream and reading novels, because joy is also resistance.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

I have worked in politics and advocacy for most of my adult life. I wrote my first piece of legislation when I was getting my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2001. I began my career as an advocate for abused and neglected children, moved into advocacy for homeless youth, then worked for the political advocacy organization, Equality Utah.

As the former lobbyist for Planned Parenthood of Utah, I spent years advocating for legislation focused on reproductive justice and helped advocate for the passage of the ACA. For nearly 3 decades, I have lobbied state and federal elected officials and have built statewide programs focused on teaching community members how to engage in the political process from school boards to the federal government.

I am not a cookie cutter candidate. I am running for Congress because professional politicians are out of touch with what our communities are facing on the ground. We need advocates, champions, and fighters in Congress and I look forward to being your Congresswoman.

A smiling woman with long braided hair wearing a silver sequin cowboy hat and a blue blouse, standing outdoors in a garden with green foliage and yellow flowers.

I am not here to ask politely.
I’m here to lead, to fight, and to win.

Group of five people jumping and celebrating outdoors in a lush green garden with a large tree in the background.
A family of five standing outdoors in front of a large tree with green leaves, smiling at the camera.