Who won the race for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District?
(This story has been updated to add new information).
Janelle Bynum declared victory Friday in the race for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District that covers Linn, Clackamas and Deschutes counties and parts of Multnomah and Marion counties.
The two-year seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon. She made history in 2022 when she became the first Latina and female Republican elected to Congress in Oregon by defeating Jamie McLeod-Skinner with 50.91 percent of the vote.
Bynum has been a state representative since 2017 and twice defeated Chavez-DeRemer for the Oregon Legislature.
“I am beyond honored that my neighbors have chosen me to be the next congresswoman for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Bynum, who will become the first Black member of Congress from Oregon.
“In Congress, I will always stand up for Oregonians — no matter who you voted for in this election — and fight tirelessly every day to deliver for families all across our district,” Bynum said. “Today, we chart a new path forward for Oregon — one of hope, opportunity, and change for the better.”
The race has been the most expensive in Oregon this year. As of Oct. 16, Bynum has raised more than $6.4 million and had $512,623 cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission, while Chavez-DeRemer has received more than $5.6 million and had $613,570 cash on hand.
On election night, Chavez-DeRemer “encouraged everyone to have patience” as ballots were counted.
“The initial results have shown this is a close race, which we all expected,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m confident that voters appreciate my track record as the second-most bipartisan member of Congress and that will bring us across the finish line.”
Chavez-DeRemer’s platform focused on providing tax relief for Oregon families, improving public safety, and supporting veterans. She referred to herself as the “second-most bipartisan member of Congress” and referred to Bynum as a supporter of policies that had created problems in Oregon.
Bynum said she would stand up for jobs, affordable and quality health care, and public safety. She referred to Chavez-DeRemer as someone who says one thing in Oregon and does another in Washington, D.C, and a “MAGA ally.”
Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at[email protected] or on Twitter @DianneLugo
