Dembrow, formerly an English instructor at Portland Community College, served on Governor Ted Kulongoski's State Board of Higher Education.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Willamette Week endorsed Dembrow during the 2008 legislative election.

[6][self-published source] In 2009, Dembrow and Representative Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro) introduced House Bill 2578, a proposal which required towers to contact property owners or tenants before towing.

[7] In 2013, following Jackie Dingfelder's resignation to serve in the office of Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Dembrow was appointed by Multnomah County Commissioners to fill her seat in the 23rd Senate District.

[9] Dembrow announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 short session on March 7, 2024, after serving in the Legislative Assembly for 15 years.