Rooted in Oregon
Dr. Kahl earned her Bachelor of Animal Science with a Minor in Chemistry from Oregon State University and later earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine through the OSU/WSU combined College of Veterinary Medicine.
About Dr. Barbara Kahl
Service. Stewardship. Real-world solutions.
Dr. Barbara Kahl has spent her life doing work that requires both a strong mind and a compassionate heart: caring for the vulnerable, supporting military families, managing complex budgets, building public systems, and advocating for better policy.
Dr. Kahl for Congress
Her story is not one of political ambition. It is a story of service. Dr. Kahl is an Oregon native, a veterinarian, a former business professional, a military family advocate, and a leader who has consistently stepped into difficult situations with courage, patience, and a desire to help.
Whether treating an injured animal, helping a family navigate hardship, managing a team, or speaking up for her community, she brings the same steady approach: listen carefully, work hard, tell the truth, and do what needs to be done.
Business & Budget Experience
Before veterinary medicine, she spent nearly 20 years in business, accounting, finance, and purchasing administration, including work at Intel supporting multi-million-dollar budgets and managing teams.
Military Family Support
As the spouse of a U.S. Navy servicemember, she served as a Navy Volunteer Ombudsman, connecting military families with command leadership and helping families navigate pressure and uncertainty.
Veterinarian for the Vulnerable
At the Houston SPCA, she helped care for an average population of 500 animals, performed high-volume surgeries, served as Interim Veterinary Operations Manager, and worked as a court-recognized expert witness in cruelty cases.
Builder of Public Systems
Recruited as chief veterinarian for American Samoa, Dr. Kahl helped establish the territory's first animal control unit, modernized records, drafted regulations, launched emergency service, and managed a staff of 15.
Practical Policy Voice
She has testified before the Oregon Legislature on agriculture, fiscal policy, animal welfare, and election integrity, bringing a research-driven approach grounded in real communities and real budgets.
Leadership that leaves things better.
Dr. Kahl does not need perfect conditions to get to work. Her record shows a leader who can build systems, train people, manage pressure, solve problems, and leave a stronger foundation behind.
Why she is running.
Oregon's 1st Congressional District deserves a representative who sees the whole district: coastal communities, rural areas, small businesses, farms, veterans, seniors, suburban neighborhoods, and families who feel unheard.
Dr. Barbara Kahl is ready to bring the same care, courage, discipline, and practical leadership that have defined her life of service to Congress.
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