Nov 14, 2024 Story by: Editor
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In a landmark victory, Democrat Janelle Bynum has flipped Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, unseating freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. With this win, Bynum became the first Black member of Congress from Oregon, marking a historic moment for the state.
“It’s not lost on me that I am one generation removed from segregation. It’s not lost on me that we’re making history. And I am proud to be the first, but not the last, Black member of Congress in Oregon,” Bynum stated at a press conference last Friday. She also acknowledged the collective effort behind her success, adding, “But it took all of us working together to flip this seat, and we delivered a win for Oregon. We believed in a vision and we didn’t take our feet off the gas until we accomplished our goals.”
Chavez-DeRemer, who had flipped the district red in 2022 for the first time in 25 years, conceded the race on Thursday, following The Associated Press’s declaration of Bynum’s victory. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as Oregonians’ voice in Congress,” Chavez-DeRemer shared on social media. “Although this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
The race was considered a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, indicating a competitive contest between the two parties. Bynum, a state representative backed by national Democrats, had previously defeated Chavez-DeRemer in state legislative elections, showcasing a history of close rivalry.
Chavez-DeRemer’s 2022 victory came in the district’s first election after its boundaries were redrawn post-2020 census. The newly shaped 5th District spans a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, including metro Portland, affluent and working-class suburbs, agricultural and mountain communities, and the rapidly growing city of Bend. Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans by about 25,000 registered voters, the district’s largest voting bloc remains unaffiliated voters.
Bynum’s win underscores a significant shift in Oregon’s political landscape, emphasizing the importance of coalition-building and community engagement in competitive districts. Source: AP News
