Mark Norman is a Navy veteran, veterinarian, and small-business owner running for Oregon House District 27. For almost 25 years, he has lived and heard the issues families face in their daily lives in Washington County. He believes Oregon needs better leadership that is practical and more connected to real life.
the story
This campaign didn't start with a political plan. It all started with conversations. For years, Mark observed and listened to people talking about managing budgets and everyday challenges. Housing costs. Utility bills. Insurance. Small businesses trying to stay ahead while families stretched every paycheck further than before.
Many decisions coming out of Salem didn't seem grounded in how people actually live. That mattered to him because most of his life has been spent in positions where responsibility is real. The Navy teaches discipline and accountability. Veterinary medicine teaches calm decision-making and trust. Running a business teaches that problems don't fix themselves.
That's when he realized the leadership system wasn't working for everyday people, and decided to step forward and lead.
Born in Iowa City and raised in Keokuk, Mark came to Washington County almost 30 years ago — drawn by the small-business opportunity, natural beauty, and independent spirit. He built his career here, raised his dogs here, and made Oregon home.
A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and commendated Naval Officer with twenty-two combined years of active and reserve service. Mark learned what it means to be steadfast, to be clear, and to make decisions with accountability. Great leadership starts with listening attentively and staying calm under pressure.
Iowa State University DVM. Twenty-eight years owner-operating a small veterinary practice in Washington County, with continued part-time relief work today. Veterinary medicine is about more than animals — it's about trust. Families approach you with concerns, stress, and a need for truthful answers. Those conversations shaped Mark's outlook on responsibility and service.
Mark didn't spend years planning to run for office. It was inspired by the realization that more people were becoming frustrated, unheard, and concerned about where Oregon was going — and that it was time to help rather than just talk about it.
