Christine Drazan announces campaign for Oregon’s 51st District

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Republican Christine Drazan has announced her campaign to return to Salem as the representative from Oregon’s 51st House District on Tuesday, following her gubernatorial bid in 2022.

The 51st District — which is represented by Republican Rep. James Hieb — encompasses parts of Clackamas County, including Canby, Estacada, Eagle Creek, and Sandy.

“From growing up in Southern Oregon to raising a family in Canby, I’ve been proud to call myself a lifelong Oregonian. There is no better, more beautiful, place to call home,” Drazan said in a statement announcing her candidacy.

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“Despite unparalleled possibility, those who control the levers of power have failed to uphold their duty to the Oregonians who elected them. With rampant crime and homelessness in our major cities, failing schools that leave our children behind, crushing regulations along with the highest taxes in the nation, that has added to a growing affordability crisis, Oregon faces challenges that will not be overcome with more of the same.”

She continued, “I cannot in good conscience remain on the sidelines as Oregon’s leaders push our state further into decline. That’s why today I’m declaring my candidacy for Oregon’s 51st House District. I look forward to continuing to serve my community and to fighting for common-sense solutions for our state’s challenges.”

Drazan formerly represented the area from 2019 to 2022 before running for governor against current Gov. Tina Kotek.

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Her campaign has been endorsed by former 51st District candidate Matt Bunch, who dropped out of the race.

In a statement, Bunch said, “I have really enjoyed getting to know my neighbors in House District 51 over the last few months of my campaign. I’ve been outspoken that Sandy, Estacada and Canby deserve a strong leader and voice in Salem on the important issues facing our communities.”

“When Christine Drazan let me know that she wanted to return to her position as state representative, I was excited she was stepping up and proud to support her. On all of the issues we campaigned on, from repealing Measure 110, to being a strong voice for parents in their children’s education, to maintaining local control in our communities, Christine has been a fighter for years,” he furthered.

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