Oregon Sen. Aaron Woods dies at 75

Oregon state Sen. Aaron Woods, D-Wilsonville, died on Saturday at age 75, Senate Democrats said Monday morning.

Woods had been undergoing medical treatment for cancer that caused Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, to remove him from committees earlier in April.

Woods was elected in 2022. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and served six years in the U.S. Army’s strategic communications before an honorable discharge at the rank of specialist, according to his legislative and campaign biographies. 

He went on to work in the tech industry, retiring as a senior executive at Xerox. That tech background contributed to his legislative priorities, including a 2023 law he sponsored requiring political campaigns to disclose when they use artificial intelligence in an attempt to influence voters. 

Woods kept a rather low profile at the Capitol but was praised in his Wilsonville-based district for his commitment to local issues. A series of letters from voters showcased on his campaign website discussed his commitment to making the city a welcoming community and advocating for its needs. 

Senators stood in solemn silence Monday morning as Senate staff called Woods’ name a final time for the roll call that begins each floor session. Senators shaken from the news cut short their planned floor session, passing two resolutions to declare May as a month of awareness for hypermobility disorders and honor Oregonians who fought to defend Wake Island as civilians a few days after the Pearl Harbor attack. 

Democratic leaders praised Woods in statements on Monday. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, called him a respected colleague and dedicated public servant in a statement. 

“In the Senate we relied on his decades of private sector experience to inform our economic development policymaking, and we appreciated his thoughtful approach to complex issues,” Jama said. “He was a trailblazer in everything he did, always looking to the future and investing in opportunity for others. He was a cherished mentor to his staff, believing in personal growth for his team. My thoughts are with Senator Woods’s family and loved ones in this time of loss.”

Wagner added that Woods brought a unique perspective to the Legislature. 

“Aaron had a deep heart for public service,” Wagner said. “He loved being in the Senate and loved working on behalf of the people in his community. He brought a unique and important perspective to our work, and he was a kind and trusted friend. We are grieving his loss, and our thoughts are with his family.”

Other senators paid their respects to Woods on the Senate floor. Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, said Woods expressed absolute optimism that he would beat cancer, and that Bonham believed him. 

“I have nothing but bad words for cancer,” Bonham said. “Just a wonderful man that’s gone far too soon. He will be missed in committees. He will be missed on the floor. He’ll be missed in his office. He’ll be missed in the community.”

Gov. Tina Kotek recalled in a statement that Woods said he never expected to be an elected official but that she considered him an exact fit for the role. 

“His life was defined by care and service to his country, his community, and family,” Kotek said. “As a state senator, Aaron was thoughtful and principled. He fought for every veteran to have the dignity they deserve. He fought for every Oregonian to have the education or training they needed to shape the life they wanted, no matter their background. He fought for the futures of kids just like the kid he was, who haven’t yet imagined the kinds of things they could achieve.”

Woods was surrounded by family when he died. He is survived by five adult children who live in Denver area, while his wife, Shirley, predeceased him.

Local Democratic party officials will select between three and five candidates to finish Woods’ term. County commissioners from Clackamas, Washington and Yamhill counties will pick from that list.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: [email protected]. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter.

STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected].