Congressman’s ouster imperils Democrats’ hold on Oregon seat

By GILLIAN FLACCUS
Associated Press

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s 5th Congressional District is a true toss-up this election, a rarity in a state that’s seen on the national stage as reliably blue. The district, which was significantly redrawn, hasn’t been held by a Republican in a quarter-century. But the primary defeat of centrist Democrat Kurt Schrader by progressive challenger Jamie McLeod-Skinner and sweeping changes to its boundaries have created opportunity for Republicans. The seat is now being closely watched as one that could flip. Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer hopes to capitalize on voter discontent over inflation, crime and homelessness while McLeod-Skinner is focused on her opponent’s flip-flopping abortion stance.