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Oregon News
POLITICS
Oregon Senate Republicans replace leadership as speculation swirls about federal job
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri
Oregon Senate Republicans chose one of their most experienced members to lead the caucus on Monday after outgoing Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, stepped down and announced plans to resign from the Senate.
Bonham’s move, which resulted in Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, taking the reins after a closed-door meeting, spurred renewed speculation about his future plans. He did not elaborate on those plans in a statement Monday, welcoming the new leadership and subsequently announcing a resignation effective Oct. 5.
“I couldn’t be more confident in Senator Starr stepping in as our new Leader. Bruce is steady, experienced, and committed to fighting for Oregonians,” he said. “I know this caucus will continue moving forward with focus and purpose.”
Many in the Republican caucus have known for around a week that Bonham would not run for his leadership position again, Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, told the Capital Chronicle on Friday. Another Republican lawmaker, Sen. Todd Nash, R-Enterprise, confirmed the meeting and said that a forthcoming vote on leadership has been planned since lawmakers elected Bonham leader of their caucus last year.
“There are others that are interested in leadership,” Nash said. “I don’t have any information about what that’s going to look like.”
Bonham is barred from running for reelection next year because he participated in a six-week quorum-denying walkout in 2023 to protest Democratic bills on guns, abortion and gender-affirming care.
His future plans remain to be seen, and it’s not clear whether he has discussed them with his fellow colleagues, several of whom told the Capital Chronicle they had no knowledge of them. But on the right-leaning political commentary podcast Crosstabs on Friday, co-host Bryan Iverson, a Senate staffer and husband of Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, said said he was hearing that Bonham “got a job in the Trump administration” to work for U.S Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former Oregon congressmember appointed by President Donald Trump after losing her reelection bid to Democrat Janelle Bynum.
“The rumor mill is telling me that he’s out of here,” Iverson said. “He’s gonna go work for Lori Chavez-DeRemer or one of the agencies over there and he’s gonna step down.”
The U.S. Department of Labor did not answer repeated inquiries about Bonham’s role and whether he was being hired by the department. An agency spokesperson reached last week stopped responding to messages after asking for Bonham’s name to confirm the position.
Bonham has long been supportive of Chavez-DeRemer, whom he endorsed out the gate for her 2024 reelection bid to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which spans from southeast Portland across the Cascades to Bend. She most recently drew headlines for requesting a federal “crack down” on Portland.
Nash added that the last time the caucus moved to appoint Bonham, a consensus emerged quickly given that “nobody else” was interested in the position.
Bonham and his office have not responded to text messages, emails and a phone call seeking clarity on his future position or plans for leadership. His term doesn’t end until January 2027, so commissioners from Hood River, Wasco, Clackamas and Multnomah counties will have to appoint a replacement from a list compiled by local Republican officials.
Bonham said in a statement Monday that he supported House Minority Leader, Christine Drazan, R-Canby, filling his position for the remainder of his term. Drazan, who previously ran against Gov. Tina Kotek in 2022, has not announced her plans for the 2026 general election.
“I also trust that Representative Drazan will serve the remainder of my term with the same integrity and dedication she has always shown,” he said. “I know this caucus will build on the successes we’ve had, and I leave with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside them.”
In a statement following Bonham’s announcement, Drazan confirmed she’ll seek the Senate appointment. If county commissioners choose her, that would trigger an open seat in the 51st House District spanning much of Clackamas County. Her caucus will elect leadership during legislative days from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, when lawmakers meet at the Capitol in Salem every few weeks outside of scheduled sessions for informational hearings, said Sam Herscovitz, a spokesperson for House Republicans.
“During his service in the legislature, Senator Daniel Bonham has been a fearless leader and invaluable partner, wholly committed to standing up for Oregonians and their families,” Drazan said. “It has been a privilege to serve our shared constituents and I welcome the opportunity to complete his term and uphold his high standards of public service in the State Senate.”
Rep. Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, announced in February that he would be running for Bonham’s seat. He did not respond to requests for comment about Bonham’s position in the Senate.
Some of Bonham’s colleagues, meanwhile, are keeping their chips closer to their hand. Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, declined to comment on the specifics of internal caucus deliberations out of “politeness” for his colleagues. In a brief phone interview, he praised Bonham’s leadership and said lawmakers would stay focused on fighting tax increases for Oregonians.
“Bonham’s been a good leader. We’re working together, and I think we’re united in this opposition to these new taxes,” Robinson said. “So you’ll get the same thing, I think, from all of us.”
Starr regained his place in the Senate this year after serving in the Legislature from 1999 to 2015 and losing his 2014 reelection bid narrowly. He replaced former Sen. Brian Boquist, who like Bonham was barred from running for reelection because of the 2023 walkout.
Starr called Bonham’s service “exceptional” in a statement Monday, saying he “leaves huge shoes to fill.”
“It is humbling, and an honor, to be chosen among my Senate Republican colleagues to serve as Minority Leader,” Starr said. “Oregon is at a crossroads, and we know the solvency and viability of our state depends on our ability to achieve electoral and policy victories for Oregonians.”
Despite being among a special group of four Republicans who were tapped to help Democrats pass a landmark transportation package earlier this year, Starr told Oregon Public Broadcasting in June that he would not support the legislation.
“This Republican is not going to just be a stamp of approval on a partisan tax increase without additional collaboration,” he said at the time.
Senators are expected to convene in Salem on Wednesday to vote on the new version of the proposal.
Oregon Senate Republicans have a new leader
OPB | By Dirk VanderHart
Republicans in the Oregon Senate will have a new leader when the chamber gavels in later this week.
In a move that bucks the usual timeline of leadership elections, the Senate’s 12 GOP members chose Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee.
With the move, the party has tapped someone who is both a relative newcomer and legislative veteran. Starr spent 16 years in the Legislature, beginning in 1999, first winning a House seat before transitioning to the Senate. He lost a reelection bid in 2014, but returned to the chamber earlier this year, after winning the open seat formerly held by Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas.
Starr wasted no time taking on weighty issues. He became Senate Republicans’ top figure on transportation matters this year, as lawmakers worked on a new package to fund road upkeep.
Starr did not respond to inquiries about his interest in becoming leader last week.
“It is humbling, and an honor, to be chosen among my Senate Republican colleagues to serve as Minority Leader. Oregon is at a crossroads, and we know the solvency and viability of our state depends on our ability to achieve electoral and policy victories for Oregonians,” he said in a statement.
Starr assumes the role of minority leader from Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, in a move that is out of step with the timing of usual leadership changes. It continues a period of churn within a Senate GOP still reckoning with the fallout of a 2023 walkout in which 10 Republican senators lost their right to seek reelection.
And immediately, Bonham announced a striking move of his own: He is resigning from the Legislature on Oct. 5, amid rumors he is being considered for a role in the Trump administration.
“I never set out to be a politician — I just wanted to serve my community, and I’ll always be grateful for the trust they placed in me,“ Bonham said in a statement. ”I’m excited about my future, but I’ll miss the day-to-day work alongside my colleagues in Salem.”
Bonham took the reins of the Senate Republican caucus in April of last year. At the time, Republicans had just finished an even-year “short” session. They opted to swap out Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, their leader at the time, because he was unable to seek reelection and so would theoretically be hard-pressed to convince political donors to cut checks for the party in the 2024 election.
Bonham is now in the same situation that Knopp was – but the Wasco County lawmaker is opting out of the leadership role earlier in the election cycle. He did not respond to an inquiry about his plans last week.
With his departure set, Bonham announced he is backing longtime ally Christine Drazan, the House Republican leader, to fill out the remainder of his term.
That decision will ultimately be up to Republican party officials and commissioners in counties that touch Senate District 26. And Drazan is likely to have some competition.
State Rep. Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, has already launched a campaign to succeed Bonham.
Drazan, R-Canby, who is rumored to be considering another run for governor, said Monday she would “welcome the opportunity” serve out the rest of Bonham’s term in the Senate. But she also suggested that doesn’t mean another gubernatorial race isn’t in the cards.
“I remain committed to fighting on behalf of families across our state and will continue to explore all opportunities to help turn our state around,” Drazan said in a statement.
Starr’s fresh leadership will get its first test on Wednesday, when the Senate is scheduled to meet to take up a contentious tax package floated by Gov. Tina Kotek. Republican senators are expected to universally oppose the bill, but that won’t be enough to stop Democrats from passing it if the majority party can get its full 18 members in the Capitol.
Oregon’s Senate Republicans elect a new leader as Daniel Bonham announces his resignation
The Oregonian | By Sami Edge
Sen. Bruce Starr of Dundee will take over as the leader of Oregon’s Senate Republicans, the caucus announced in a Monday news release.
Starr replaces Sen. Daniel Bonham, from The Dalles, who has led the caucus for the past year.
Bonham announced Monday that he’s resigning in October, though his term doesn’t end until January 2027. He did not specify his next steps, though some Oregon Republicans have speculated that he will take a job with the federal government, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.
A spokesperson for Bonham said the leadership change took effect immediately.
Oregon Senate Republicans elect Mid-Valley senator as next caucus leader
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo
The state senator representing rural Polk and Yamhill counties will be the next Senate Republican Leader.
Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, was elected leader of the Senate Republican Caucus on Sept. 15, according to a press release. He replaces Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles.
Editorial: Choosing the path away from political violence
The Oregonian Editorial Board
Perhaps the most disconcerting part of the news that three Oregon Democratic lawmakers were the targets of bomb scares last week is how unsurprising the news is.
After last week’s horrific murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, social media and the airwaves quickly filled with accusations lobbed at Democrats as well as grossly celebratory comments by those who reviled Kirk’s views. Harassment followed with threats sent to the Democratic National Committee, historically Black colleges and others who don’t appear to have a single connection with the suspect in Kirk’s murder. That harassment included emailed bomb threats to Oregon Democratic Sens. Rob Wagner, Kayse Jama and James Manning. Thankfully, police concluded they were hoaxes.
Oregon Sen. Daniel Bonham resigns, endorses Christine Drazan for his seat
KATU | By Sana Aljobory, Barry Mangold
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham announced his resignation from the Oregon Senate on Monday, effective Oct. 5.
Bonham expressed his gratitude for his time in the Senate, saying, "Serving in the Oregon Senate has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I never set out to be a politician—I just wanted to serve my community, and I’ll always be grateful for the trust they placed in me. I’m excited about my future, but I’ll miss the day-to-day work alongside my colleagues in Salem."
Drazan seeks to fill suddenly-open Oregon senate seat
KOIN 6 | By Aimee Plante
Oregon House Republican leader Christine Drazan has thrown her hat into the ring to be appointed to a suddenly-open state senate seat.
Drazan, who represents Canby among her District 51 constituents, wants to be appointed to fill the seat currently held by Senate Republican leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles. Bonham announced Monday he’s resigning in October.
Oregon Republicans shake up leadership as Bonham announces resignation from Senate
KGW | By Jamie Parfitt
Republicans in the Oregon Senate announced a major shakeup on Monday, as the leader of their caucus announced his resignation from the legislature — anointing successors for both his Senate seat and his position as minority leader.
Sen. Daniel Bonham of The Dalles said in a statement that he is resigning from the Oregon Senate effective Oct. 5. He backed Rep. Christine Drazan of Canby — currently the House Republican Leader — to be appointed to serve the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2027.
Canceled grant over DEI leaves Oregon families with disabilities ‘without a lifeline’
KOIN 6 | By Michaela Bourgeois
Oregon lawmakers and an organization in Central Oregon are sounding the alarm after the U.S. Department of Education canceled a grant that was serving rural Oregon families raising children with disabilities.
Editorial: Stay vigilant, but don’t take Trump’s bait
The Oregonian Editorial Board
It’s hard to know how serious President Donald Trump is about the possibility of sending National Guard troops to Portland to confront protesters and “wipe them out.”
This is a man for whom bluster is like breathing. Many of his musings, threats and diatribes dissolve days after they were uttered. As pundits have noted, the man who penned “The Art of the Deal” has mastered the Art of Distraction, with one outrageous comment after another.
At the same time, it would be foolish to ignore the threat, considering the ruthlessness of his administration’s actions and Trump’s willingness to bulldoze laws and limits that stand in his way. Trump dispatched thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June –an alarming move that a federal judge has since ruled illegal. But that ruling applies only to California, and Trump has doubled down, mobilizing the National Guard to patrol Washington, D.C. He has since threatened to also send troops to Chicago, Baltimore, Boston and New Orleans for crime or immigration raids, and now, Portland.
Hearing scheduled on controversial Coffin Butte Landfill expansion near Corvallis
Statesman Journal | By Tracy Loew
The county's planning commission initially denied the expansion due to concerns about its impact on the area.
Opponents have raised issues including increased traffic, odors, methane leaks, and worker safety violations.
Benton County Commissioners will hear the appeal on Oct. 22 and are expected to make a final decision on Nov. 17.
TRANSPORTATION
‘It’s a penalty’: Oregon EV and hybrid owners will be hardest hit under transportation bill tax hikes, environmentalists say
The Oregonian | By Aimee Green
Environmental groups say a trimmed-down bill to fix Oregon’s roads and bridges that is up for a final vote Wednesday in the Legislature will deal a big hit to the state’s climate change fight by disproportionately raising taxes for many owners of hybrid and electric vehicles.
ECONOMY
A New Blazers Regime Will Include the Founders of Panda Express
Willamette Week | By Robert Ohman
It’s official: The Trail Blazers will have new ownership. They’ll soon begin negotiations for a new (or renovated) arena. And the concourse will probably feature a Panda Express.
Americans are feeling worse about the economy, survey finds
CNN
Many Americans are feeling less confident about the United States economy.
Consumer sentiment in August dropped roughly three points, according to a preliminary survey by the University of Michigan.
New laws aim to protect Oregonians from medical bankruptcies, dishonest car dealers
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Julia Shumway
With the federal government backing down from consumer protection, Gov. Tina Kotek said states have to step up.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
Parents outraged after youth football coach revealed as registered sex offender
KATU | By Shelby Slaughter
Parents with kids involved in Clark County Youth Football are outraged after officials on the team say they were informed one of the coaches was a registered sex offender.
EDUCATION
After cost-saving attempts, price tag for three new high schools in Portland will hit nearly $1.4 billion
The Oregonian | By Julia Silverman, Eddy Binford-Ross
Hopes are vanishing that significant savings can be realized from the three major high school modernization projects set to begin next year in Portland, according to a new set of cost estimates.
HEALTH CARE
Kaiser Permanente health care workers vote on possible Oregon, SW Washington strike
OPB | By Courtney Sherwood
More than 3,500 Kaiser Permanente health care workers from Oregon and Southwest Washington are casting ballots this week to authorize a strike that could start as soon as Oct. 1 – though leaders of the health care nonprofit called the vote a “bargaining tactic” and emphasized that a strike may not take place.
2026 ELECTION
Salem city councilor will challenge incumbent Mayor Julie Hoy in 2026 election
Statesman Journal | By Whitney Woodworth
Mayor Julie Hoy will face a challenger in her 2026 reelection bid.
Ward 7 Councilor Vanessa Nordyke filed to run for mayor on Sept. 11, the first day Oregon candidates could file to run for the May 2026 race.
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