November 28, 2023 – Friends of Tania Wildbill: Press Release
Candidate Tania Wildbill Announces Candidacy for Oregon Senate District 29
Tania Wildbill, a seasoned journalist, filmmaker, and community advocate, proudly declares her candidacy as a Democrat for Oregon Senate District 29. With a deep commitment to public service and a diverse background in media, wellness, and community development, Wildbill aims to bring a fresh perspective to the Senate, focusing on community-driven initiatives and fiscal responsibility. Wildbill’s political journey was inspired by a poignant moment with her late mother, who imparted the crucial message, “When you receive a call to serve your community, you say YES!” On October 9th, 2023, Wildbill made the pivotal decision to run for State Senate and is answering the call to serve District 29 constituents.
A proud resident of Pendleton, Oregon, Wildbill spent 24 years on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Her two daughters are enrolled tribal members with The Confederated Tribes of The Umatilla Indian Reservation, reflecting her deep ties to the local community. Educationally, Wildbill holds a Master of Science from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City. Her extensive media career includes roles as a reporter, producer, and anchor for prominent outlets such as CNN, The International Herald Tribune in Paris, and various radio stations.
Wildbill’s accomplishments extend beyond journalism. Notably, she secured $9.5 million in federal, state, and private funding through her fundraising and grant-writing expertise. Her contributions include obtaining the Planning and Implementation Grant for $350,000 from the Oregon Department of Education, which played a pivotal role in establishing the Nixyaawii Community School on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
As a filmmaker, Wildbill co-wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning documentary, “American Cowboys,” narrated by Academy Award Winner William Hurt. The film, which showcased the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up, received nationwide acclaim and was broadcast on PBS affiliates for four years.
Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Wildbill initiated the Yoga Round- Up in 2009, the first yoga festival in Oregon. This event, sustained for seven years, contributed to the local economy and promoted wellness, a cause close to her heart.
Wildbill’s campaign ignites a revolutionary vision, disrupting the norm of conventional fundraising. Beyond merely seeking donations for campaign expenses, she passionately urges the residents of District 29 to champion local community projects. Wildbill isn’t just asking for support for her campaign; she’s inspiring donors to redirect their generosity toward impactful local causes, forging a new path for community-driven change. Wildbill’s wish is to not perpetuate the fiscal irresponsibility used in traditional campaigns that spend exorbitant amounts of money that could go to better use if invested into District 29. Wildbill is making a statewide call to action for all candidates in Oregon to join her.
The campaign kick-off events will commence in a series of town halls in each of the seven counties in District 29. Tania has two upcoming town hall and listening sessions, where she intends to talk with her constituents and hear what they’d like from their District 29 State Senator. Wildbill is set to host a town hall in La Grande on December 2, 2023, at the Cook Memorial Library in Union County. Wildbill will also host a town hall on December 9, 2023, at the Pendleton Public Library in Umatilla County. All events are accessible on Facebook at Tania Wildbill For Oregon State Senate or http://www.votewildbill.com. Members of the press are invited to attend and cover the launch of this transformative campaign.
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