LOC News
2022 May Primary Results
In addition to several important races for local governments, legislative seats, and congressional races, there were 69 additional local elections in 28 counties held during this week’s primary election. The local elections covered levies, bond measures, charter amendments, use of fluoride, and advisory votes on joining Idaho. Based on preliminary data, 8 of 9 tax measures passed, 15 of 20 levies passed, 16 of 23 bonds passed and neither Josephine nor Douglas County voters are interested in joining Idaho. Communities were generally supportive of taxes, levies, and bond measures when it comes to police and fire services. Only four out of ten school district measures passed, many of which occurred in communities that supported levies for police and fire.
The field of front runners for the gubernatorial election in November has been narrowed. Former House Speaker Tina Kotek will be the Democratic nominee, and former Republican House Leader Christine Drazan is the Republican nominee. Pending signature verification, former Senator Betsy Johnson will be an independent candidate in November. This means that Oregon’s likely top candidates for governor are all women, a first in Oregon.
For the key congressional races, in the 4th Congressional District, Alek Skarlatos is the Republican nominee and Val Hoyle will be the Democratic nominee for this open seat, which retiring Congressman Peter Defazio has held since 1987. Congressman Kurt Schrader from the 5th Congressional District, who has held the position since 2009, is behind in a tight race against Jamie McCleod-Skinner awaiting Clackamas County to complete the counting process. The winner of that Democratic primary will face off against former Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who won the Republican primary. For Oregon’s new 6th Congressional District, former State Representative Andrea Salinas will be the Democratic nominee and run against Mike Erickson who won the Republican primary.
LOC is preparing a post-election report that will be published online and in next week’s LOC Bulletin, and there is still a chance that some results may change. We all know the value of voting and it’s always disappointing to see turnout numbers currently at 33% statewide. As an example of “every vote counts,” the cities of John Day and Canyon City offered a bond measure for a pool facility, and its current vote tally is 789-789. For more details on the primary election, visit the Secretary of State‘s web portal for statewide elections and links to all elections by county.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/20/22