Willy Chotzen was born in Ashland and raised in Southeast Portland. He holds a law degree from Harvard, where he engaged in legal aid work and taught economics. Chotzen spent several years as Chief Attorney in Portland’s public defenders office, where he trained attorneys, shaped court policy, and advocated for clients. He has also taught middle school math, emphasizing education as a tool for advocacy. Currently, he is raising a family with his wife, a career educator, and serves in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Willy Chotzen's political identity is rooted in a deeply localized approach to systemic inequities, blending his background in education and legal aid. He advocates for policies that address economic injustices while emphasizing education as a transformative tool. Chotzen’s experience in public defense informs his commitment to justice, revealing a strategic convergence of seemingly disparate policy areas. His rhetorical style underscores a nuanced understanding of regional issues, often revealing unexpected alliances and policy combinations.