Background
Bailey was born in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Lincoln High School.
Bailey was born in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Lincoln High School.
Bailey studied in a dual-degree graduate program at Princeton University"s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
He took office in June 2014. He previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014, representing inner Southeast and Northeast Portland. He earned a bachelor"s degree in Environmental Studies and International Affairs at Lewis & Clark College in 2001.
In 2007, he earned two master"s degrees: a Master of Public Affairs (with concentrations in Economic Policy and Environmental Policy) and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Elections
In 2008, Bailey was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives to represent District 42. The seat was vacated by Diane Rosenbaum, who was running for election to the Oregon Senate.
Bailey earned a plurality victory in the primary election over three other candidates for the Democratic nomination. Bailey was reelected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2010 with 84.7% of the vote and in 2012, when he was unopposed in both the primary and general elections.
Policy issues
In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Bailey served as Chairman of the House Energy and Environment Committee.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) named Bailey the "Innovator of the Year" in 2009 for promoting the renewables industry during the 2009 legislative session. In 2013, Bailey angered some environmentalists by voting in favor of the Columbia River Crossing mega highway project, which was projected to increase greenhouse gas emissions 32% in the area by 2030 if built. He was presented with the mock environmental "Cars Rejuvenating Carbon" award during an OLCV event shortly after the vote in the Oregon House.
Bailey currently serves on the Multnomah County Commission.
The Commission comprises five members: a Chair who is elected county-wide and four Commissioners who are elected to represent geographic districts. Bailey represents District 1, which includes the areas of Multnomah County west of the Willamette River and inner Southeast Portland.
Election
Bailey was elected to the Multnomah County Commission in a special election in May 2014. He succeeded Liesl Wendt, who had been appointed to fill the seat on an interim basis when Deborah Kafoury resigned to run for County Chair.
Bailey defeated community activist Brian Willson, winning 73.1% of the vote.