Paul L. Patterson completed his public education in Portland, Oregon, and earned a B.A. in business administration followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon. He served briefly in the U.S. Army during World War I and passed the State Bar to establish a law firm in Hillsboro. Patterson held various legal positions, including Deputy District Attorney of Washington County and city attorney for several Oregon municipalities. He chaired the Washington County Republican Party and was elected to the Oregon State Senate, serving as its President before becoming the 26th governor of Oregon.

Paul L. Patterson's political identity is marked by a fiscally conservative stance combined with pragmatic acceptance of federal aid for specific programs. His opposition to a state sales tax without a popular vote showcases a rigid adherence to direct democracy principles. Patterson's support for the state's transportation infrastructure, despite his fiscal conservatism, reveals a calculated approach to regional economic development. His political influence, bolstered by both national Republicans and local elites, underscores a strategic alignment with powerful interests.