14 Facts About Kayse Jama

Kayse Jama is an American politician currently serving as Majority Leader of the Oregon State Senate.

Kayse Jama graduated from high school just as the civil war erupted, and he lived as a refugee for several years before arriving in San Diego in 1998.

Kayse Jama staffed the front desk at the Portland DoubleTree Hotel and helped other newly arrived refugees adapt to life in the United States as a case manager at Lutheran Community Services Northwest, eventually receiving a bachelor's degree in sociology from Marylhurst University.

In 2021, Kayse Jama stepped down as Executive Director of Unite Oregon after being appointed to the Oregon State Senate.

Kayse Jama replaced State Senator Shemia Fagan, who was elected to serve as Oregon Secretary of State.

Kayse Jama represents Senate District 24 which comprises East Portland and North Clackamas.

Kayse Jama is the first Muslim to serve in the Oregon State Legislature and the first former refugee to serve in the Oregon State Senate.

In 2002, Kayse Jama co-founded the Center for Intercultural Organizing, now Unite Oregon, after witnessing racial incidents in Portland following the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Kayse Jama served as the director of the statewide nonprofit organization until 2021.

Kayse Jama has been a founding member of several coalitions in Oregon, including Fair Shot for All and the Oregon Health Equity Alliance.

Kayse Jama was an advocate for the passage of Oregon ballot measure 110 which sought to decriminalize the use of drugs such as heroin.

Kayse Jama is the chair of the Senate Committee On Housing and Development, and he serves on the Senate Committee On Labor and Business, and the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Transportation and Economic Development.

Kayse Jama was elected Senate Majority Leader on November 16,2024.

In 2004, Jama married Stephanie D Stephens, who serves on the David Douglas School Board in Portland, Oregon.