Oregon election points on the biggest races, ballot measures

The 2024 Elections in Oregon It is starting to have a lasting impact at the local, state and federal levels.

Counting remains ongoing, but early voting results Tuesday evening indicate some changes are coming.

These are the most important conclusions from the November elections.

Janelle Bynum is leading in the race for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District

State Rep. Janelle BynumD-Happy Valley, was leads on Tuesday evening in the first election results against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

The district covers Linn, Clackamas and Deschutes counties and parts of Multnomah and Marion counties.

The race was the most expensive in Oregon this year. If she wins the race, Bynum would hand one of the state’s most competitive seats to Democrats.

Former Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield is leading in the race for Oregon attorney general

The departure of longtime Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum opened the position to a race between Republican and former Deputy District Attorney Will Lathrop and former Oregon House Speaker Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis.

Rayfield led in the early results released Tuesday in a race that would be the most competitive for a statewide office. If Lathrop is elected, he would be the first Republican attorney general in 30 years.

The Attorney General represents Oregon in all legal actions and legal proceedings in which the state is a party or has an interest. The Attorney General may also provide legal advice on questions of law upon request by the Governor, an official of a state agency, or the Legislature.

Rayfield emphasized his Democratic values and his legislative background.

Rayfield said his priorities as attorney general would include protecting reproductive rights, consumers, families and the environment, and that he would work to end gun violence, drug trafficking and “national attacks on our values.”

Lathrop emphasized his law enforcement experience and his non-partisan approach. His campaign focused on cracking down on crime, including drug trafficking, and protecting children.

Voters don’t like Measure 118, the so-called ‘Oregon rebate’

Voters rejected Measure 118, the so-called ‘Oregon rebate,’ which would have raised the price minimum tax of 3% on certain businesses and distributed the proceeds among residents.

The Legislative Revenue Office estimated the initial credits would range from $1,035 to $1,286. It would have gone to any resident who has lived in the state for more than 200 days starting in 2025, including minors.

Opposition to the measure was widespread, including from Governor Tina Kotek and other Democrats, Republican legislative leaders, and Oregon Business and Industrya national business association.

Measure 115 passed, allowing lawmakers to exercise power over elected officials statewide

Voters approved Measure 115 on Tuesdaywhich will give lawmakers the power to remove elected officials from office statewide.

Oregon was the only state without an impeachment doctrine.

Under the measure, the governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and labor commissioner are eligible for impeachment and removal.

Grounds for impeachment include “crimes or corrupt conduct in office, willful neglect of legal or constitutional duties, or other misdemeanors or high crimes.”

Under the measure, impeachment would require a two-thirds majority of the House of Representatives. The chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court would preside over a trial. The Oregon Senate would vote by a two-thirds vote to convict or remove the person from office.

Anastasia Mason and Dianne Lugo contributed to this report.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at [email protected]call 503-910-6616 or follow @wmwoodworth