Bill Hansell
Bill Hansell is an American Republican politician who is a current member of the Oregon Senate, representing the 29th District. When Oregon State Senator David Nelson, Senator Hansell's predecessor retired, he invited Hansell to run for his senate seat. Hansell went on to win both primary and general elections in 2012. He currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.
From June 20, 2019, all 11 Republican state senators for Oregon, including Hansell, refused to show up for work at the Oregon State Capitol, instead going into hiding, some even fleeing the state. Their aim was to prevent a vote on a cap-and-trade proposal that would dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. The Senate holds 30 seats, but 1 is vacant due to a death. Without the Republican senators, the remaining 18 Democratic state senators could not reach a quorum of 20 to hold a vote.Bill Hansell is married to Margaret Hansell, and the couple have raised a family.
