Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican Representative from Oregon, is focusing on a platform of law enforcement and social order to connect with her constituent base and address doubts about the G.O.P.’s plans. Her re-election campaign in the Fifth Congressional District of Oregon is considered a key race in the national landscape, as it’s one of the few truly competitive ones that could influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
In a town situated thirty minutes south of Portland, amidst the drizzle of a gloomy day, Representative Chavez-DeRemer voiced her criticism against the state Democrats’ decision to decriminalize potent drugs. Simultaneously, she expressed concerns over the alleged lack of support for local law enforcement agencies by these same Democrats.
According to Chavez-DeRemer, the rising rate of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness in Oregon can be attributed to the state’s progressive law enforcement policies. She emphasized her stance during a round-table meeting with local entrepreneurs, stating the cost of drug decriminalization will ultimately be borne by the state’s populace. Subsequently, she advocated for the importance of endorsing local law enforcement officials.
Despite Portland’s persistent struggles to counter its national image as a city under siege, recent facts and figures suggest a slight decrease in violent crimes such as homicides and gun violence in the past year; a pattern that aligns with the national trend. However, drug overdoses, particularly those involving opioids, have experienced an unprecedented spike in Oregon over the last five years, as reported by the state’s public health department.
In this context, Representative Chavez-DeRemer is utilizing this narrative of law and order to gain a competitive edge against her Democratic rival. She is tapping into voters’ dissatisfaction over the state’s management of homelessness, crime, and fatal fentanyl overdoses to impact the campaign narrative of her Democratic opponent, the state representative Janelle Bynum. Bynum is attempting to portray Chavez-DeRemer as an automatic supporter of Republican policy in Congress.
The race in the Fifth Congressional District of Oregon, recognizable for its vast stretch from Portland’s suburbs to the increasingly populated mountain town of Bend, is particularly crucial. A Republican victory here could help maintain their fine majority in the House.
Crime, while not consistently high in priority for voters according to Gallup, is nevertheless identified as extremely important by a significant number of Republicans in Oregon and nationwide. Additionally, local surveys highlight housing, homelessness, crime, and drug issues as the top concerns of residents in the Portland area and the younger Oregon population.
Along the campaign trail, several Republicans in high stake House races are also employing the same law and order strategy as Chavez-DeRemer. This includes former police officer and combat veteran Gabe Evans in a district north of Denver, Colorado, and Representative Mike Garcia in Southern California, both accusing their respective Democratic rivals of escalating crime rates and deadly fentanyl overdoses.
In the competitive race in Oregon, public polling indicates a near tie between Bynum and Chavez-DeRemer. Both campaigns are investing heavily, with total expenditures crossing $5 million.
Chavez-DeRemer’s campaign advertisements variously portray Bynum, the author of various criminal justice-related bills, as being soft on crime and unsupportive of the police. Bynum, in turn, has launched her own advertisements featuring her commitment to reinstating criminal penalties on potent drugs and emphasizing a need for enhanced community safety.
If elected, Bynum would make history as the first Black woman to represent Oregon in Congress. Her perspective on maintaining public safety is shaped by her racial identity, and she focuses on appearing approachable and friendly when engaging with constituents throughout her district.
In her campaign, Chavez-DeRemer distinguishes her efforts on bipartisan legislation, including several bills that aim to tackle the fentanyl crisis. She argues that public safety is a common concern that transcends party lines and a focal point of her campaign.
The impact of this focus on public safety, however, remains uncertain. While some voters continue to feel secure in their neighborhoods, others have developed stronger apprehensions about visiting downtown Portland in the wake of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, voters are aware that their vote could potentially influence the power dynamics in Congress. The notable shift to the right within the national Republican Party could present a challenge for Republican politicians such as Chavez-DeRemer.
Chavez-DeRemer’s distinct voting record in Congress is of primary concern, as her campaign promises of moderate representation seem inconsistent with her actions. Some constituents see this discrepancy as potentially troubling for her re-election.
Many are left with a feeling of disillusionment towards the current political climate, frustrated with the negativity and polarization in politics. Despite this, they acknowledge the importance of casting their vote, leaning towards familiar faces such as Chavez-DeRemer or exploring different party affiliations.