Shaunie Cousins, a Republican, is running for Oregon House of Representatives District 34 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Democrat Mari R. Watanabe, according to BallotReady election data.

Cousins said in our candidate questionnaire that she is a first-time candidate. Asked why she is running, she said: "I'm running because I love Oregon and want to be part of building a stronger future here. Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, concerns about public safety, challenges in our schools, and frustration with government that can feel disconnected from everyday life."

Candidate information

Party: "Republican," Cousins said in our questionnaire.

Education: "I am currently working to complete a bachelor's degree in Business Management. My education also includes extensive professional training in health policy, regulatory compliance, public programs, and government operations," Cousins said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I am married and part of a large blended family. Family is central to my life and has shaped my perspective on the issues that affect Oregon households, from the cost of living and education to health care and the opportunities we leave for the next generation," Cousins said in our questionnaire.

Family in politics: "My family has a background in public and military service, but not partisan politics," Cousins said in our questionnaire.

Occupation: "I am a health care policy and regulatory compliance professional with more than 15 years of experience in health policy, public programs, and government. My career has included work in both the public and private sectors, giving me experience with how policy is developed, implemented, and experienced in the real world," Cousins said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

According to BallotReady profile data, Cousins' work history includes:

  • Business Manager, High Desert Hitmen (2008–2010)
  • Group Leader, Sequel Youth & Family Services (2010–2012)
  • Family Services Specialist II, State of Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (2013–2015)
  • Medical Assistance Specialist 3, Washington State Health Care Authority (2015–2017)
  • Northwest Regional Medical Enrollment Supervisor, Washington State Health Care Authority (2017–2019)
  • Policy Manager, Washington State Health Care Authority (2019–2023)
  • Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Providence Health Plan (2023–present)

On the issues

Asked what distinguishes her in the race, Cousins said in our questionnaire: "I approach public policy with a practical mindset and experience seeing how government decisions work beyond the page. I believe in asking hard questions, understanding costs and consequences, listening to the people affected, and measuring whether policies actually accomplish what they were intended to do."

She added: "I will bring an independent voice, a strong sense of accountability, and a willingness to work toward practical solutions while staying grounded in the priorities of District 34."

On her qualifications, Cousins said in our questionnaire: "I have worked extensively with public policy and government programs and have also spent years volunteering and advocating within my community. Those experiences have taught me to listen before reaching conclusions, ask thoughtful questions, communicate complicated issues clearly, and follow through."

On her campaign website, Cousins said she supports addressing housing affordability through changes to supply, regulation and permitting. She said Oregon students deserve schools that are "safe, focused, and academically strong" and that government should be "transparent about how taxpayer dollars are spent." On public safety, she said reform should "improve outcomes, not create greater instability."

Asked about the best advice she has received, Cousins said in our questionnaire: "'Leave things better than you found them.' … That is the standard I try to bring to my work, my community involvement, and now my campaign for public office."

Residents can track Cousins' campaign at her website, shaunie4oregon.com.