In the Democratic primary for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, state Rep. Janelle Bynum emerged victorious over progressive candidate Jamie McLeod Skinner. Bynum, who received the support of many Democratic leaders and national groups, is seen as the stronger candidate to take on Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer in the general election. The 5th District is a key target for Democrats as one of the 16 GOP-held seats that Joe Biden would have carried in 2020. Bynum, who runs McDonald’s franchises in the Portland area and is serving her fourth term in the Oregon House, previously defeated Chavez-DeRemer in past elections.
McLeod-Skinner, an attorney who was the 2022 Democratic nominee for the seat, had the backing of progressive groups in this year’s race. The primary became contentious at times, with former aides accusing McLeod-Skinner of creating a hostile work environment. McLeod-Skinner defended her actions and apologized to anyone who had a negative experience. She also criticized Bynum for initially voting against legislation to extend the statute of limitations for rape civil cases but later voted for the bill after it was amended. Despite her progressive platform, McLeod-Skinner ultimately lost the primary to Bynum.
In Oregon’s 3rd District, state Rep. Maxine Dexter won the Democratic primary, positioning herself as the likely successor to retiring Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Dexter, a pulmonologist, sponsored legislation to make the opioid overdose treatment naloxone more accessible. Her closest rival in the primary was Susheela Jayapal, a former county commissioner who ran as the most progressive candidate in the seven-way race. Jayapal had the backing of prominent progressives like Bernie Sanders and her sister Pramila Jayapal, but ultimately fell short against Dexter.
Dexter raised significant funds for her campaign, with outside spending from the 314 Action Fund, a super PAC supporting Democrats with science backgrounds, playing a key role. Jayapal and another candidate, Eddy Morales, criticized the dark money spent on Dexter’s behalf, highlighting concerns about the campaign finance system. Dexter, too, expressed disapproval of the outside spending and emphasized the need for campaign finance reform. With her victory in the primary, Dexter is poised to represent the solidly blue Portland-area seat in Congress.
Overall, the Democratic primaries in Oregon’s 5th and 3rd Districts showcased the internal divisions within the party, with establishment candidates like Bynum and Dexter prevailing over more progressive challengers. The contests highlighted the influence of outside spending and the complexities of campaign finance in modern politics. As Bynum and Dexter move on to the general election, they will face Republican opponents in closely watched races that could impact the balance of power in the US House. Voters in these districts will have the opportunity to determine the direction of their representation in Congress and shape the future of Oregon’s political landscape.
