Jesse Cornett

Background

About Jesse Cornett

College wasn’t part of my plans growing up, but as a veteran, I was able to afford it so gave it a shot. I became the first college graduate in my extended family. By the time I graduated from Portland State University, I had already worked on my first presidential campaign (Gore and started working for the state legislature. As I earned a master’s degree, I worked for Congressman Earl Blumenauer and served as the Graduate Assistant to Senator Mark O. Hatfield. During this time, I helped establish Next Up (née Oregon Bus Project), a non-profit empowering diverse young leaders. After completing my degree, I became Senior Policy Advisor to Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury. I modernized Oregon’s campaign finance disclosure system, served as Legislative Liaison, and gained expertise in natural resources policy through serving as the agency’s State Land Board Assistant. In 2006, I joined Portland State as Special Assistant to the President, a role that grew into Director of Government Relations. I secured a 17% increase in state operating funds, raised tens of millions for campus infrastructure, and later taught political science as an adjunct faculty member. Returning to national politics in 2016, I managed media logistics at major rallies for Senator Bernie Sanders’ first presidential campaign, later transitioning to a White House role for the general election. In 2017, I shifted to the private sector, excelling as a sales professional for two different organizations. For Sanders’ 2020 presidential race, I served as the Senator’s “body man,” overseeing a wide array of duties. Following the election, I returned to Oregon and helped secure funding for Healthier Oregon, expanding healthcare to Oregonians excluded from the Oregon Health Plan due to immigration status. Currently, I serve on the board of Oregon Recovers, championing addiction recovery policies and treatment access. As Interim Policy and Advocacy Director, I led statewide advocacy efforts and helped incorporate public health into the mission of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. I’m also a certified Bikram Yoga instructor, teaching at Forge Hot Yoga in Portland.