News | Press Releases

Statement on the Process to Fill the Legislative Vacancy in Oregon House District 44

Jan 18, 2022

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eddie Kurtz
[email protected]

The Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) has begun the process of filling the legislative vacancy in Oregon House District 44 after House Speaker Tina Kotek notified us that she will resign from the Oregon House of Representatives effective January 21, 2022.

“We are grateful for Speaker Kotek’s years of service to Oregonians and to the Democratic Party. It will be impossible to completely fill her enormous shoes after a historic tenure as the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, but the Democratic Party of Oregon looks forward to fulfilling its obligation to ensure that the people of House District 44 have representation as soon as possible,” said Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Carla “K.C.” Hanson.

The DPO will host a nominating convention for House District 44 Democratic Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) over Zoom on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at 6:00pm.

Following the convention, the DPO will submit the list of 3-5 nominees to the Multnomah County Commissioners who will then choose an appointee from the list to fill the legislative vacancy until the next general election.

People who wish to be considered for State Representative must file form SEL 145 (available online at the Secretary of State’s website) with the Democratic Party of Oregon. To be considered for appointment, prospective candidates must meet the minimum requirements as of Jan. 21, 2022, the date of Speaker Kotek’s resignation:

  • they must have been a registered Democrat for at least 180 days,
  • they must have lived in House District 44 for at least one year, and
  • they must not currently be under the control of the Oregon Department of Corrections.

The deadline to file as a candidate is noon on Thursday, January 20, 2022. SEL 145 forms may be sent by email ([email protected]) or by fax (503-224-5335). If a candidate’s form does not reach the Democratic Party of Oregon in time, that person’s candidacy cannot be considered.

It is highly recommended that the form be submitted by email as staff are working remotely due to the pandemic.

To learn more, visit dpo.org/HD44.

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