Learn More About Nicole
Proven Leader. Community Service. Ready to Fight for Oregon.
I’m running for Senate District 6 because I believe Oregon families deserve leaders who show up and do the work and aren’t afraid to stand firm when it matters.
I’m not a career politician. I am a mom, a former farmer, small business owner, a nonprofit leader and Director on the Springfield School Board. I’ve spent years in the trenches, volunteering in classrooms, knocking on doors, testifying on education policy and fighting for families and students when it wasn’t easy.
I have learned that leadership isn’t about talking or making promises, it’s about showing up and standing strong.
Fighting for Kids, Families & Accountability
I have spent countless hours volunteering in schools working directly with staff and students. I have testified before legislators on education bills because policy decisions in Salem directly impact classrooms here at home. As a school board member and former Board Chair, I have :
Led through difficult transitions
Fought for transparency and accountability
Prioritized students over politics
Worked to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly
Leadership at the local level isn’t glamorous.
It’s long meetings and tough decisions where I have had to stand alone sometimes. But I have never backed down from doing what’s right.
Advocacy for Oregon
Last year I traveled to Washington, D.C., with the United Front group which consisted of a diverse group of community partners and elected officials from our city and county. I travelled to advocate for policies that provide for our schools, protect families and strengthen communities.
Executive Director & Nonprofit Leadership
As an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization and policy analyst for another, I understand accountability, motivating members, budgets and how to actually get results. Running an organization means networking, balancing priorities and ensuring every dollar counts, skills that Salem desperately needs more of. I spent countless hours advocating in front of legislators on behalf of Oregonians from across the state.
From Farm Life to Public Service
We owned and operated a cattle ranch and horse operation in Australia where I also raised butterflies for special events. Farm life teaches you responsibility, resilience and how to solve problems when no on else is coming to fix them. I have lived and thrived in fires, droughts and government imposed regulations. Those lessons stuck with me. When we returned home to Oregon, I poured that same work ethic into serving our local community.
The Difference
I don’t answer to political insiders. I have always worked on grassroots teams that answers to parents small business owners, seniors and working families.
I have been ask how I will lead when I get to Salem. That’s easy to answer-as I have already proven I can lead when things get hard. I am ready to bring that same strength and common sense to the Oregon Senate. I belive in leadership that listens first, researches and then acts decisively. If that is the kind of leadership you think Oregon needs, I would be honored to earn your support. Please reach out and let me know what is important to you when I go to Salem.
I hope I can count on your vote!
Nicole De Graff
Christmas at church with family 2025
