About Ben West

As a Clackamas County Commissioner since 2022, Ben West has delivered a record of results-driven leadership rooted in his dual roles as a Registered Nurse and a Naval Officer in the United States Reserves. A sixth-generation Oregonian, Ben lives in Wilsonville with his spouse, Paul, their son, JayQuan, and their three dogs. His service is fueled by a deep connection to our state’s history and a commitment to Oregon’s pioneering spirit—the same grit and ingenuity required to build a stronger, safer future for our community.

Ben has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted voices in the region on behavioral health policies. Drawing on his clinical background, he has become a leading authority on addressing the complexities of substance use disorder and mental health treatment. He served as the primary architect of the county’s Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) and the new Recovery Campus, moving beyond rhetoric to build the actual infrastructure necessary to tackle the addiction crisis. Under Ben’s leadership, Clackamas County operates on a clear principle: we believe recovery is possible and sobriety is the goal. This visionary approach helped drive an astounding 65% reduction in homelessness through his innovative Blue-Ribbon Commission.

A staunch advocate for affordability and fiscal discipline, Ben has been a key force in keeping Clackamas County’s finances in the black. While the City of Portland, Multnomah, and Washington counties found themselves tens of millions of dollars in the hole due to overspending, Ben ensured Clackamas remained financially stable and accountable. He has consistently pushed back against the state legislature’s efforts to implement new transportation taxes, arguing that hardworking Oregonians are already overtaxed. Ben successfully led the charge to stop I-205 tolling and continues to fight against regressive fees to ensure our county remains a place where families can afford to live and thrive.

In addition to his healthcare expertise, Ben is an unapologetically pro-business leader. He has been a steadfast champion for economic development, working to streamline county administration and eliminate red tape in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Through the Business Development Grant Program, he has supported facility expansions that create high-quality local jobs. He also continues to push back against Metro overreach to preserve property rights for our farmers and growers.

Ben remains a champion for public safety, ensuring that Clackamas remains the safest large county in Oregon. By fully funding law enforcement, he has provided our deputies with the resources they need to protect our neighborhoods. His dedication to service is global and local—from providing medical care in the Amazon to fighting for civil rights in the federal courts. Whether navigating complex budgets or advocating for workplace safety in Salem, Ben remains a collaborative leader who honors our pioneering heritage to build a more prosperous Clackamas County for everyone.