State Representative Janelle Bynum secures the Democratic nomination for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District, setting the stage for a showdown with Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the upcoming elections. Bynum’s victory, backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, marks a significant development in the political landscape of the district stretching from Portland suburbs to Bend.
State Representative Janelle Bynum has won the Democratic primary for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District. Bynum, with notable support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, will face the incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who secured the seat two years ago. The district extends from Portland suburbs to Bend. Bynum’s victory was confirmed by The Associated Press. Garnering 70% of the vote, Bynum outpaced her progressive opponent Jamie McLeod-Skinner, who previously defeated a long-term Democratic representative in 2022 but lost to Chavez-DeRemer in the general election. Bynum aims to leverage her prior electoral defeats of Chavez-DeRemer in state races to sway the congressional contest.
In California, State Assemblyman Vince Fong, endorsed by Kevin McCarthy and former President Donald Trump, won the special election to replace McCarthy in the 20th Congressional District. Fong will serve until January and again contend with Mike Boudreaux, the Tulare County sheriff, in November for a full term. This district is known for its strong Republican leaning. McCarthy, ousted as House Speaker in late 2023, supported Fong’s campaign, which saw significant financial backing. Boudreaux acknowledged the challenges of competing against the well-established McCarthy political machine.
These election outcomes are part of larger political maneuvers as both parties position themselves for control in the upcoming midterm elections.
