Bynum declares victory over Chavez-DeRemer for Oregon's 5th District
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Janelle Bynum, the Democratic challenger to Republican congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has declared victory in the race for Oregon’s 5th District as of Friday morning.
Votes continue to be counted, and the Associated Press has not projected a winner. However, a calculation of remaining uncounted ballots determined that Chavez-DeRemer will have no chance to overcome Bynum’s lead, according to The Oregonian.
In a statement shared Friday morning, Bynum thanked her supporters for electing her to office.
“I am beyond honored that my neighbors have chosen me to be the next congresswoman for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District,” she said. “My work has always been a love letter to Oregon’s children. I ran for office to make their futures brighter, and I’ll do just that in Washington – for their education, for their reproductive freedoms, for their job opportunities, and so much more.”
According to voter data, Bynum has received a major boost from Multnomah County voters, where she has nearly 78% of the vote, followed by support from Clackamas and Deschutes counties. Meanwhile, Chavez-DeRemer has found more support from Marion, Linn, and Jefferson counties.
Bynum’s win will solidify her as the first Black congresswoman in Oregon’s history.
“I am proud to be the first – but not the last – Black Member of Congress from Oregon, and I’m grateful for what this moment means not just for my children, but for all young people across our state to see that change is possible,” Bynum said in a statement.
Oregon’s 5th District race has received national attention as Democrats see the seat as a win that could tip the balance of power in the House of Representatives as Republicans are poised to flip control in the Senate and President-elect Donald Trump will begin his second term in January.
Bynum focused her campaign on voting rights, abortion rights, and health care reform while Chavez-DeRemer has focused her campaign on addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing security at the U.S. southern border.
Chavez-DeRemer supported the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and has also said she supports a woman’s right to choose. During a debate hosted by KOIN 6 News, the congresswoman said while abortion access has become a state issue, she will continue to support abortion access in Oregon.
“In Congress, I will always stand up for Oregonians – no matter who you voted for in this election – and fight tirelessly every day to deliver for families all across our district,” Bynum said. “Today, we chart a new path forward for Oregon – one of hope, opportunity, and change for the better.”