In 2022, some of the most expensive Democratic primary battles in the country were in Oregon, where the retirement of a longtime member and a brand new congressional district sparked crowded primaries. Similar battles are now playing out this cycle ahead of the state’s May 21 primary, drawing millions in outside spending.
In Oregon’s 5th District, national Democratic groups have taken the unusual step of intervening in the primary to take on freshman GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer in a must-win seat for Democrats to win back the House majority. And in the deep blue 3rd District, two super PACs are spending heavily to ensure Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s sister doesn’t win the Democratic nomination.
OR-03: OPEN (Blumenauer) (D) - Portland, Hood River Solid Democrat. In deep blue Portland, the Democrat with the strongest progressive bona fides should have the natural advantage in a primary contest. After longtime Rep. Earl Bluemenaur announced his retirement plans, it looked like former Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, whose sister represents Seattle and chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, would be the frontrunner for the
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