In what is being described as another blow to Democrat hopes in the 2022 mid-terms, Oregon's 4th District Representative Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) has told Politico that he will be retiring in order to “focus on my health and well-being.”

DeFazio's departure leaves an uncertain future for Democrats who have lorded over Southern Oregon for nearly four decades from a safe Lane County roost. DeFazio defeated Republican rival Alek Skarlatos by a mere 5.3 points in the last election and a new Democratic challenger may struggle without incumbency and DeFazio's substantial war chest.

"After 36 years of failure--burning forests, poorest congressional district in the state, partisan policies that have destroyed southwest Oregon--and turning his back on the people he was elected to serve Peter DeFazio is retiring," said Skarlatos.



The newly redistricted 4th Congressional District contains the counties of Lincoln, Benton, Lane, parts of Douglas, Coos and Curry.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-12-01 13:51:06

Last Update: 2021-12-01 17:32:34