Peter DeFazio was largely raised with the guidance of his Great-uncle who instilled in him the values of hard work and fair representation found in the Democratic Party. DeFazio served in the Air Force Reserve from 1967-1971, while earning his Bachelor Degree from Tufts University and his Masters degree from the University of Oregon in 1977. After working as an aide for U.S. Representative Jim Weaver and gaining some leadership in local politics serving as Chairman of the Lane County Commissioner in 1985, DeFazio was elected to CongressmanWeaver’s vacant seat in 1986. DeFazio has developed a reputation of an independent, passionate and effective lawmaker for the people of Oregon. AWhile in Congress, DeFazio has served as the Chairman or Ranking Member of four of the six subcommittees he serves, including serving as the Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee since 2019. DeFazio and his wife live in Springfield, Oregon and he logs five million miles traveling between Oregon and Washington, DC in order to improve the lives of Oregonians in Washington. He has also donated all of his Congressional pay raises to fund over 270 scholarships because he believes everyone should have access to education without crippling debt.