Virginia Stapleton leading in race for House District 21 Democratic nomination

Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton was leading in the Democratic nomination for House District 21, according to initial election results Tuesday evening.

Stapleton is running against Keith Hazton in the primary election for the district, which encompasses Keizer and north Salem.

The district had been long held by Democrats before the 2022 election when it flipped Republican with the election of Kevin Mannix, who will face the winner of the primary in the November general election.

Stapleton, a former business owner, currently represents Ward 1 on the Salem City Council and is the council president.

She said she is running "to expand access to affordable housing, ensure mental and behavioral health care is accessible for all who need it, fully fund our public schools and cities, protect our environment and defend reproductive health care."

Haxton is a former legislative aide and helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army.

He said he would prioritize expanding rent control measures and introducing a statewide single-payer health insurance system.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Virginia Stapleton leads in House District 21 Democratic primary