The Powerhouse Duo of Bobby & Emerson Levy Also Shares a Zeal for Making a Difference in the Lives of Their Constituents
By Ted Case
Representatives Bobby and Emerson Levy—no relation—share a commitment to finding workable solutions for Oregon, along with adoration for a future Oregon leader.
Their friendship started, Bobby recalls, when she approached her new colleague on the first day of the 2023 Oregon Legislative Assembly.
“We have the same last name,” she said to Emerson, a newly sworn-in member of the Oregon House of Representatives.
They both knew it was an anomaly. Only 13 out of every 100,000 people surveyed in the 2010 U.S. Census held the last name “Levy.” The 2 legislators sharing the 932nd most common surname in America outnumber the lone legislator with the most common surname: Representative Greg Smith of Heppner.
Beyond the same last name, however, their connection was not initially obvious. They belong to different political parties, and the districts they serve, while both scenic trends in different directions.
Bobby, a Republican farmer and rancher, is from deep-red District 58 in Northeastern Oregon, a sprawling landscape of center-pivot irrigation, timber towns seeking new identities, and ranchers on the lookout for wolves.
Emerson, a Democratic renewable energy lawyer, hails from blue-tinged District 53 in Deschutes County, 1 of the fastest growing regions in the nation. New residents drawn to the diversified economy, world-class recreation, and vibrant brewery scene have made housing and health care major priorities.
Assigned together on the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee, the Levys found common ground working together on critical issues facing the state. Both approach their legislative duties seriously, attending the rigorous Legislative Energy Horizon Institute, a graduate-level seminar educating policymakers on the North American energy system. And both are willing to confront tough, complex issues, playing high-profile roles in Chairman John Lively’s much-anticipated “Nuclear Day” in the committee.
“John is great for putting ideas out there,” Emerson said.
It was all work until the Levys attended a 2023 fact-finding mission to Denmark on decarbonization policies. After long days touring energy facilities, they finally had a chance to get to know each other’s families.
At the center of the action was Emerson’s then-7-year-old daughter, June, who her mother admits is the spark behind her fire for policies protecting children. Bobby, the proud grandmother of 14, immediately bonded with June, whose skills selling Girl Scout cookies may only be matched by her success campaigning door-to-door with her mom.
After the trip ended, the 2 new friends stayed in touch, making a point to see each other when June comes to the Capitol.
“I just adore her,” Bobby said.
The feeling is mutual. Emerson laughs when she points out her daughter’s favorite legislator, named Levy may not be her mom.
“(Bobby) has the biggest heart,” Emerson said.
Nearly halfway into the session, the 2 legislators are working overtime to carry out their priorities. Emerson, whose mission is to be a doer and a fixer, is focused on helping her constituents navigate the health care bureaucracy and enhancing school safety. The through line of all her policy work, she said, is “making government work and work well.”
Bobby’s long list of priorities includes securing funding for the Union County Fairgrounds and increasing compensation for ranchers whose livestock have suffered wolf predation. Showcasing rural Oregon to urban legislators has become part of her life’s work— and few turn down her offer to participate in economic summits in her district.
Both legislators understand the importance of their local electric co-ops.
“Representative Levy has established herself as an independent voice demonstrating a deep understanding of our issues,” said Brad Wilson, CEO of Central Electric Cooperative.
Robert Echenrode, CEO of Umatilla Electric Cooperative, appreciates Bobby’s “availability and willingness to engage with UEC on the issues and challenges that matter to our members and Eastern Oregon.”
The connection between the women seems far less about a shared last name and more about their shared commitment to solving Oregon’s challenges, while setting an example of bipartisan cooperation for the next generation of young leaders like June.
“We both want what’s good for Oregon,” Bobby said. “And we both,” Emerson added, “feel like we can make a difference.
