Maxine Dexter emerged victorious in the Democratic Primary for Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating a field of progressive candidates that included Susheela Jayapal, endorsed by Bernie Sanders and members of the “Squad” such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. Dexter was chosen to replace outgoing Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who had been in Congress since 1996, in a heavily Democratic district covering Portland, Oregon, making a win by a Republican unlikely in November. The primary election saw Dexter, Jayapal, and Morales as the leading candidates, all with similar views on major issues, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Blumenauer announced his retirement in 2021 after over two decades in Congress, citing deep divisions within the majority party and with his Republican colleagues. While expressing concern over the current state of Congress, Blumenauer believes he can have a significant impact on the issues he cares about as a civilian rather than a member of Congress. He noted the existing fractures in Congress at the start of the current term and expressed doubts about the possibility of resolution. Despite the challenges, Blumenauer remains committed to working towards positive changes in the coming year.
The 3rd Congressional District of Oregon includes most of Multnomah County, all of Hood County, and part of Clackamas County, with a significant Democratic voter base outnumbering Republicans by a ratio of 3-to-1. The district is known for its progressive politics and has traditionally leaned towards Democratic candidates. With Dexter’s victory in the primary, she is poised to represent this reliably blue district in the upcoming general election. While candidates like Jayapal received endorsements from prominent progressives, Dexter managed to secure the primary win, demonstrating her appeal to voters in the district.
Despite Blumenauer’s concerns about the current state of Congress and the deep divides within the majority party and between Democrats and Republicans, he remains hopeful about the potential for progress in addressing key issues. While acknowledging the challenges and divisions in Congress, Blumenauer emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards positive change and solutions. The retirement of Blumenauer, a long-serving member of Congress, marks the beginning of a new chapter in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, with Dexter set to carry the Democratic torch forward in the general election. The race for the seat left vacant by Blumenauer’s retirement underscores the ongoing shifts and dynamics within the Democratic Party and highlights the importance of engaging with a diverse range of constituents.
