Oregon’s Democratic Primaries to Test Voter Preferences
In a significant development for the upcoming presidential election year, two Democratic primaries for U.S. House seats in Oregon are set to provide insights into the party’s voter preferences. The state’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of liberal Portland, will hold its first open Democratic primary since 1996 with the retirement of U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Two candidates with similar platforms are leading in fundraising: Maxine Dexter, a doctor and two-term state representative, and Susheela Jayapal, a former county commissioner endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
The 5th Congressional District race is garnering even greater attention, as it is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country. National Democrats are keen on holding the district, which has been flipped by the GOP in 2022 for the first time in roughly 25 years. Eager to reclaim the seat, congressional Democrats are supporting Janelle Bynum, who is seen as having a better chance of winning in November than Jamie McLeod-Skinner, the progressive who lost to Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the general election after winning the 2022 midterm primary.
Key Democrats, including Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and three of the state’s U.S. representatives, have endorsed Bynum. The U.S. House Democrats’ fundraising arm, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has also provided support. Meanwhile, a late surge in spending by a political action committee on behalf of McLeod-Skinner has raised questions about potential Republican involvement in the primary.
The boundaries of the 5th District were redrawn following the 2020 census, encompassing diverse regions including metro Portland and rural agricultural communities. Candidates are navigating the complex political landscape, with McLeod-Skinner emphasizing her ability to unite rural and urban voters and Bynum highlighting her legislative experience.
Both candidates have engineering degrees and share similar policy stances, supporting abortion protections, lowering health care costs, and addressing climate change. As of late Friday, Bynum had outraised McLeod-Skinner by about $385,000. However, outside spending from super PACs has also played a significant role in the race. Mainstream Democrats has spent nearly $380,000 in support of Bynum and opposing McLeod-Skinner, while 314 Action Fund has invested over $2.2 million in ads supporting Dexter in the 3rd District.
Jayapal and McLeod-Skinner have criticized the flow of “dark money” into the races, suggesting Republican groups may be involved. Jayapal has specifically linked 314 Action Fund to “MAGA Republican mega-donors,” while McLeod-Skinner has raised concerns about the fund’s late and undisclosed spending. 314 Action Fund has dismissed these allegations, asserting its mission is to defeat MAGA Republicans.
In the 3rd District, Dexter’s campaign has received direct contributions from individuals, including donors who previously supported Republican candidates. Jayapal remains the first candidate in the race to call for a cease-fire in Gaza.
As the Democratic frontrunners in each race share largely similar policy platforms, voters may ultimately choose candidates based on their style and endorsements. Gaskins, a political science associate professor at Lewis & Clark College, highlights the divide between pragmatism and idealism within the Democratic electorate as a key factor in distinguishing candidates.
