A Wilsonville resident with a background in education and politics hopes to fill an open seat in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Dr. Mary Pettenger, a professor at Western Oregon University, hopes to replace state Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin, D-Wilsonville, in representing House District 26, covering Wilsonville, King City, Sherwood, Parrett Mountain and parts of Tigard. Neron Misslin was recently appointed to the Oregon Senate following the death of former state Sen. Aaron Woods last month. Earlier this week, Wilsonville resident and West Linn-Wilsonville School Board member Maegan Vidal announced she would seek appointment to the House seat.

The vacancy will be filled through a vote by commissioners within Clackamas, Washington and Yamhill counties.

A Wilsonville resident since 2004, Pettenger is a member of the West Linn-Wilsonville School Board Long Range Planning Committee and has served on the Wilsonville Library Foundation Board while also volunteering in local schools. She also went through the Wilsonville Civics Academy program in the 2020-21 session and is a Precinct Committee Person and Neighborhood Leader in House District 26.

Pettenger is a professor of politics, policy and administration, and the Political Science Department chair at Western Oregon.

According to a press release, Pettenger aims to strengthen public education from “cradle to career” and services ensuring “all students have a learning environment where they are supported, seen and empowered to reach their full potential.” She wants to use her academic background in environmental policy to prioritize “the health and safety of Oregon’s working families.” Other priorities include fostering community through civic engagement and working towards “resilient economic growth.”

In an interview, Pettenger said she decided to seek the position in part because of a “gentle nudge” from Neron Misslin. She said she is invested in the Wilsonville community and surrounding communities, and has been involved in local politics, with her experience including aiding in the campaign for former Wilsonville Mayor Julie Fitzgerald. Pettenger believes she has the experience for the position and wants to “give back.”

“(I) realized that this is the moment in time when I really want to be the person that steps up and that makes a difference for my community,” Pettenger said.