Who is Rabbi Fora?
Rabbi Fora, known legally as Forest Alexander, has experienced a journey of dedication and transformation. Born into a working-class family, she developed strong values from an early age.
She pursued higher education at San Jacinto College and earned her BFA from DePaul University (2012-2016), proudly following her sister as the second in her family to achieve a college degree.
Prior to her current identity, she served as a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Austin, Texas (2018-2021). Today, "Rabbi Fora" elegantly combines her rabbinic title with a chosen name, reflecting her spiritual and community leadership.
A Leader Forged Through Service
Rabbi Fora (she/they) represents a new generation of political leadership, bringing firsthand understanding of the intersections between justice, community, and governance.
From Grassroots to Governance
From knocking on over 10,000 doors as a grassroots organizer to managing million-dollar field operations, Rabbi Fora has demonstrated both the humility to listen and the strategic vision to lead.
Building Coalitions
With connections spanning countless community organizations, she understands that real change happens when we build coalitions that center the most marginalized voices.
A Career Built on Impact
Theatre Arts Foundation
DePaul University & Second City
Building skills in storytelling, public presence, and creative problem-solving foundational to her political style.
Grassroots Organizing
Field Organizer
Personally knocked on 10,000+ doors. Contributed to flipping a Texas State Rep seat.
Statewide Leadership
FuturePAC Director
Managed 15 directors and a $5M budget. Delivered electoral victories across Oregon.
Community & Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi & Consultant
Bridging spiritual wisdom with practical political action. Co-founded 3D Collective.
Cross-Sector Excellence
Leadership & Management
- Budget oversight exceeding $5 million
- High-performance team building
Communication
- Public speaking honed by theatre
- Multilingual capacity (English, Spanish, ASL)
Strategic Operations
- Data-driven decision making
- Comprehensive campaign strategy
Creative Problem-Solving
- Innovative curriculum development
- Compassionate crisis management
Frequently Asked Questions
Why run for Governor and not a lower seat?
I did consider other positions. However, commuting to D.C. for a federal seat is unreliable given current ID restrictions for trans people. For local seats, while my housing instability has made building deep local connections difficult, my political work has been statewide. I am excited to use my statewide network to better the lives of working people across Oregon.
How can I trust your values?
I have always lived my values and paid any price necessary. From being estranged from family at 17 for being queer, to launching myself into politics in Austin, to transitioning at 31. My values have been on display for all to see. I am a passionate community organizer, a spiritual leader, and a woman who has worked jobs from waitress to field director. I show up, I work hard, and I compromise when possible.
What makes you prepared to be a high-level executive?
I’ve taken on big jobs before. As Human Rights Commissioner for Austin, I authored recommendations to reduce the Police Department’s budget by separating services like Internal Affairs. In Portland, I managed a homeless shelter, responsible for the well-being of nearly 50 participants. I’ve never backed down from a fight worth fighting.
Why democratic socialism?
I believe it is immoral for billionaires to exist while people sleep outside. Basic human rights like shelter, food, and medicine should not be commodities. As Harry Truman put it, "If it helps all the people, they call it socialism." That includes supporting small business owners and farmers. We can nourish, house, and heal our own by simply establishing a fair tax code.
Why should people trust someone new with a big job?
They shouldn't, yet. Over the coming months, this campaign will earn your trust by having the difficult conversations current leaders refuse. No one understands housing like someone who has been homeless. No one understands food insecurity like someone who has gone to bed hungry. And no one understands poverty like someone who has worked at federal minimum wage.
I have learned that trust is a verb. It requires active participation. I will be out in your community, listening and learning from you, to better represent the values of real, working people in Oregon.
How will you use the Office of the Governor differently?
I'm not running because Governor Kotek has been awful. Her efforts on housing show dedication. But I know we can do more. As someone who has couch-surfed since I was a teenager, I know the solution is rent vouchers. Plain and simple.
I have often been confronted with the choice between rent or food, food or medicine, medicine or gas. These are calculations I've made too many times. As have you. These hamfisted attempts to address our needs are what I expect from someone without lived experience making these hard economic choices. I'm running because I know we deserve better.