A high school teacher by profession, she served as a city councilwoman, state legislator, and county commissioner in Oregon before being elected to the House in 1996.

In her post-congressional career, she remains engaged in civic life in Oregon and works as a strategic planning consultant.

[2] She was appointed to a parks advisory committee, and in 1976, became the first woman elected to serve on the West Linn City Council.

[1] As subcommittee chair, she is credited with leading reforms to Oregon's public kindergarten, pay equity laws, and welfare system.

[7] In the 2006 election, Hooley won a sixth term, defeating Republican Mike Erickson (who spent over $1 million of his own money), Green Paul Aranas, and Constitution candidate Douglas Patterson.

[1] Local political observers reported that she solidified support in her closely divided district, by staking out moderate positions, avoiding controversy and scandal.

[10] She has also focused on issues surrounding identity theft prevention[11] and increasing medical and financial privacy.

[17] She was also successful in directing federal funding to her district, including millions of dollars for transportation, timber, and agricultural interests.