Results for: Oregon Politics

Oregon Democrat Janelle Bynum, who sponsored a controversial criminal justice reform bill that would have restricted arrests and shifted funds away from law enforcement, has won a congressional primary. The bill was criticized by law enforcement and Republican officials, who argued that it would have made communities less safe. Bynum’s victory in the primary is seen as a sign of the growing influence of progressive policies in the state, and her race against Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in November will be closely watched as Republicans attempt to hold their narrow majority in the House.

Aayden Gallagher, a transgender runner from McDaniel High School, emerged victorious in the Oregon 6A girls 200-meter championship on Saturday. In a significant political development, Maxine Dexter emerged as the winner of the Democratic Primary in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, overcoming a competitive field of progressive candidates. Dexter will succeed outgoing Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who has represented the district covering much of Portland since 1996.

With Oregon’s primary election approaching on May 18th, registered voters participating in partisan races must declare a political affiliation by April 30th. Oregon’s closed primary system restricts voting to within registered party lines, prohibiting Democrats from voting for Republican candidates and vice versa. Independent, minor party, and non-affiliated voters can only partake in nonpartisan races. While there are ongoing efforts to open up primaries in Oregon, the initiative faces challenges due to the large number of unaffiliated voters. The group All Oregon Votes advocates for open primaries, emphasizing the importance of all voters participating in the crucial stage of the election process.