Oregon Senate Confirms Liesl Wendt as Director of Department of Human Services
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Summary
The Oregon Senate confirmed Liesl Wendt as director of the Department of Human Services after extended floor debate about hiring process and agency trust; the Senate announced the confirmation with 29 ayes and one recorded nay.
The Oregon State Senate on the floor confirmed Liesl Wendt as director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, concluding a lengthy floor debate about the process for picking agency leadership and the department's capacity to serve children, adults and older Oregonians.
Senator Elizabeth Gelser Blueen, who moved Wendt's confirmation, said she has met privately with the nominee and that Wendt "has made a lot of time to meet with me and to meet with others" and demonstrated the ability to engage in "hard conversations without defensiveness." Gelser Blueen urged colleagues to support Wendt, calling the appointment "one of the most important confirmation votes that the Senate takes."
Senators on both sides acknowledged concerns about the process used to select the director. Senator Solman said he would vote to confirm while noting his unease about a lack of a national search and public engagement, calling for more robust hiring practices for critical agencies. Senator Robinson likewise emphasized past process shortcomings but described his meetings with Wendt as persuasive. Senator Reynolds pointed to recent operational gains at ODHS, praising the department for mobilizing to fully distribute SNAP benefits this month and stressing the importance of steady leadership during the transition.
Union support was mentioned on the floor: Gelser Blueen said SEIU had expressed confidence in the appointment after meetings with the nominee. Senators noted the department's large budget and its direct impact on vulnerable populations as a reason for careful oversight and ongoing legislative engagement.
The clerk called the roll on the confirmation and the President announced the appointment was confirmed with 29 ayes and one recorded nay (Senator Nash). The Senate official record reflects that the body will continue oversight of the agency as Wendt begins her tenure.
The next formal step is for the Department of Human Services to proceed under its new director while the Legislature retains oversight authority; senators urged continued communication and accountability as Wendt assumes the role.
