Janelle Bynum | |
|---|---|
 Bynum in 2020 | |
| Member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 5th district | |
| Assuming office January 3, 2025 | |
| Succeeding | Lori Chavez-DeRemer |
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 39th district | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | James Hieb |
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 51st district | |
| In office January 9, 2017 – January 9, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Shemia Fagan |
| Succeeded by | James Hieb |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Janelle Sojourner Irick January 31, 1975 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Florida A&M University (BA) University of Michigan (MBA) |
Janelle Sojourner Bynum (née Irick; born January 31, 1975) is an American politician and businesswoman serving as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party and currently represents the 39th district, which covers northern Clackamas County, including most of Happy Valley and parts of Oregon City, Milwaukie and the surrounding area.
First elected to Oregon's legislature in 2016, Bynum previously represented the state's 51st district, which covered southern Multnomah County and northern Clackamas County, including the southeasternmost part of Portland, most of Happy Valley and Damascus, and the surrounding area.
On November 5, 2024, Bynum was elected to the United States House of Representatives representing Oregon's 5th district after defeating incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer. She will be the first Black member of Congress from Oregon.