Doyle for a Strong Community District 8
Eugene, OR - Doyle Canning, a Democratic candidate for House District 8, runs on a platform deeply rooted in her personal and professional experiences and connection to our diverse community. A University of Oregon (UO) law school graduate and a proud resident of South Eugene, Canning lives with her family. She maintains strong ties to the university and the broader community. Her husband, Justin, teaches at the UO School of Journalism and Communication and is an active Unite Academics member and a former Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) member. "We are a proud Duck family," Canning emphasized, underscoring the importance of robust university-community relationships. "Our next state representative must champion essential programs for the campus and the university while advocating for campus workers' rights through partnerships with AFT, SEIU, and the new UAW union."
Canning’s campaign is fueled by practicality and passion, traits she jokingly attributed to her Capricorn sun, Sagittarius moon, and Scorpio rising astrological signs. "I am very practical and down-to-earth in how I go about my work, but I am also a passionate advocate for climate action and social justice," she shared. This duality in her approach has shaped her political journey, which began with her activism as a college student against the Iraq War. “Being part of the anti-war movement made me who I am today. It highlighted the disparity between military spending and the lack of funding for universal healthcare and good schools,” she explained.
Her advocacy and participation in anti-war movements of the past, especially as a law school alumni, begs the question: What is her perspective on the current anti-war protests against the genocide in Gaza?
Supporting Campus Activism and Addressing Local Issues
Canning strongly supports student activism, especially regarding the recent protests at UO against the humanitarian crisis, occupation, and genocide in Gaza. "The students have every right to speak out against war profiteering and the human rights catastrophe in Gaza. It's unacceptable, and their voices need to be heard and respected," Canning stated. She criticized the UO administration’s response to student protests when informed of the removal of a Nakba memorial and called for genuine engagement with student demands.
She fell short of mentioning the word we all know must be included in the dialogue so as not to downplay or misconstrue the extent and intent of Israel's GENOCIDE in Gaza and now Rafa. But she did acknowledge the blockage of aid, the imperialist war machine, the profitability that drives our investment in these violent occupations, and the profoundly tragic loss of human life and theft of human dignity seen in Palestine.
While she supported and encouraged students to exercise their right to assembly and free speech, she also cautioned them to remember that longevity is vital with such movements. Having participated in anti-war activism during her undergraduate studies, she drew parallels that transcend time in the imperialist war machines of today and the past.
Canning also addressed the UO administration’s delay in divesting from fossil fuels despite student advocacy and a passed resolution. She emphasized the importance of fulfilling this commitment, citing the successful passage of the COLE Act, which directs the Oregon State Treasury to divest from coal. “Every step we take builds on another. The university must follow through on its divestment policy to avoid stranded assets and align with sustainable investment practices,” she urged.
In addition to supporting student activism on campus, Canning is keenly aware of Eugene's severe housing crisis off campus. “We need to address homelessness with a comprehensive approach, ensuring access to health care, mental health care, addiction services, and support,” she said. Canning plans to advocate for diverse housing options to accommodate different life stages and situations, ensuring affordable housing for students, families, and seniors. The high rate of unsheltered homelessness in Eugene, the highest per capita in the United States, is a critical issue Canning aims to tackle head-on. She expanded that this concept applies to the difficulties experienced by student housing, discussing the effect on the larger community when students are priced out of campus adjacent housing.
Healthcare access is another priority for Canning. She emphasized the urgent need for an emergency room in Eugene, criticizing the current situation where residents must travel to Springfield for emergency care. “It is unacceptable that the second-largest city in Oregon does not have an ER. This must change,” she asserted. Canning is committed to fighting for universal healthcare, supporting a single-payer Medicare-for-All system to ensure that all Oregonians have access to necessary medical services without incurring medical debt. She called back to a promise made to Oregonians in Measure 111, which asserted that health care is a human right. She emphasized her administration's commitment to making good on that promise.
Engaging Young Voters and Promoting Civic Engagement
Canning recognizes the frustration among young voters with the Democratic Party's stance on issues like the Genocide in Gaza. She remarked, however, “We must ensure Donald Trump does not return to power, but we also need to stand for the soul of the Democratic Party, which should be the party of the working class and moral vision,” reflecting a willingness to support Biden this election cycle despite the outcry from young people. She has spoken before about her willingness to oppose the party when necessary. Are these not in contradiction? If there were ever a time to condemn your party, it is when that party is facilitating genocide while denying it is happening. However, this lack of condemnation and deviation comes from weighing the benefits. As she stated before, Donald Truno must “Not Return To Power.” Canning encouraged young people to stay engaged and continue advocating for change from within the political system.
Emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, Canning called the Oregon State Capitol “the people's house,” welcoming all Eugenians to participate in the legislative process. “Your voice and presence are essential in ensuring our representatives work for constituents, not corporate interests. I will do everything I can to welcome students and all Eugenians to your house in Salem.”
As Canning continues her campaign for House District 8, her strong ties to the UO community, commitment to social justice, and dedication to addressing critical local issues position her as a candidate deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of Eugene’s residents. Her practical approach and passion for change promise a representative who will fight for the community and ensure every voice is heard.
