FAMU grad on track to make history as Oregon's first Black Member of Congress

US Rep.-elect Janelle Bynum

Janelle Bynum, a 1996 FAMU graduate, is poised to make history as the first Black lawmaker to represent Oregon in Congress, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ and CNN. Bynum, an Oregon state representative, is projected to defeated first-term Republican Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, flipping the seat back to the Democratic column.

Bynum, was first elected to the Oregon Legislature in 2016, represented the 51st district, which encompasses southern Multnomah County and northern Clackamas County, including parts of Portland, Happy Valley, and Damascus. Her victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Oregon's 5th Congressional District.

A native of Washington, D.C., Bynum graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from FAMU. She later earned her Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan in 2000. During her time at FAMU, Bynum received a scholarship from Boeing and served as a summer associate for the company. After completing her MBA, she worked at General Motors as a steering systems engineer.

Bynum and her husband, Mark, are the proud parents of four children and own several McDonald's franchises in the Portland area. Her background in engineering and business, coupled with her legislative experience, positions her to be a strong advocate for her constituents in Congress.

As Bynum prepares to take her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, she is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the nation's capital, focusing on issues that are critical to her district and the broader community. Her historic win is a testament to the changing demographics and political dynamics in Oregon and the nation as a whole.