Longtime Oregon State Senator Rod Monroe Dies at 83

Monroe, a schoolteacher and marathon runner, left a legacy of public health legislation in the state.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former Oregon State Senator Rod Monroe, a Democrat who represented East Portland, passed away on February 20 at the age of 83. Monroe had a long political career, serving in the state House starting in 1976 and later on the David Douglas School Board, Mt. Hood Community College Board, and Metro Regional Council, in addition to five terms in the state Senate. Known as a physical fitness enthusiast who ran over 20 marathons, Monroe was focused on public health issues and sponsored legislation such as Oregon's indoor smoking ban in 1981 and a mandatory seat belt law.

Why it matters

Monroe's passing marks the end of an era for Oregon politics, as he was a fixture in the state legislature for over four decades. His focus on public health initiatives, including anti-smoking and seat belt laws, had a lasting impact on the lives of Oregonians. The tributes from his former colleagues highlight his bipartisan approach and commitment to respectful political discourse, even in the midst of hard-fought campaigns.

The details

Rod Monroe first won election to the Oregon House in 1976 and served in a variety of elected roles until 2019, including five terms in the state Senate. In addition to his legislative work, he served on the David Douglas School Board, Mt. Hood Community College Board, and the Metro Regional Council. Monroe was known as a schoolteacher and physical fitness enthusiast who ran over 20 marathons and calculated he had run enough miles to circle the globe.

  • Rod Monroe passed away on February 20, 2026.
  • Monroe first won election to the Oregon House in 1976.
  • Monroe lost his state Senate seat in the 2018 Democratic primary to Shemia Fagan.

The players

Rod Monroe

A former Democratic state senator from East Portland who served in the Oregon legislature for over 40 years, focusing on public health initiatives such as an indoor smoking ban and mandatory seat belt law.

Billie Monroe

Rod Monroe's wife and longtime legislative aide.

Shemia Fagan

The Democrat who defeated Rod Monroe in the 2018 primary election and later became Oregon's Secretary of State.

Kayse Jama

The current Democratic state senator who holds Rod Monroe's old seat, and who finished third in the 2018 primary race that Monroe lost.

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What they’re saying

“After we debated, he even offered me some tips.”

— Kayse Jama, Senate Majority Leader (Oregon Journalism Project)

What’s next

The Oregon legislature is expected to honor Monroe's legacy with a memorial resolution or other tribute in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Rod Monroe's long career in Oregon politics was defined by his focus on public health issues and his ability to work across the aisle, even with political opponents. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legislative accomplishments will continue to impact the lives of Oregonians for years to come.