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 State Senate District 15 after the Oregon Secretary of State informed the DPO that Senator Chuck Riley intends to resign from the Oregon State Senate effective January 1, 2022.
“We wish Senator Chuck Riley the best in his retirement,” said Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Carla “K.C.” Hanson. “In his 13 years of service, Sen. Riley has used his remarkable skills and experience as a veteran, computer systems expert, and small business owner to benefit all Oregonians. We wish him a well-deserved retirement with plenty of time for creative projects with his wife, Katie!
“The Democratic Party of Oregon looks forward to promptly fulfilling its obligation to ensure that the people of Senate District 15 will have new representation in the State Legislature as soon as possible.”
The DPO will host a nominating convention for Senate District 15 Democratic Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) on Saturday, January 8th, at 1pm to determine the 3, 4 or 5 candidates to send forward to the Washington County Commissioners. With precautions in place for COVID-19, the DPO will conduct the convention in-person at Lincoln Street Elementary School in Hillsboro. The nominating convention will be preceded by a candidate forum hosted by the Washington County Democrats. The candidate forum will begin at 12:00pm. Doors will open at 11:45am.
Due to public safety and health concerns, this event will only be open to SD 15 Precinct Committee People and members of the press who request a press pass at least 24 hours in advance. All attendees will be required to wear a mask throughout the event.
Following the convention, the DPO will submit the list of nominees to the Washington 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 Senator 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. 1, 2022, the date of Sen. Riley’s resignation:
- they must have been a registered Democrat for at least 180 days,
- they must have lived in Senate District 15 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 Friday, January 7th, 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.
COVID-19 precautions for the nominating convention will include:
- requiring that all attendees remain fully masked throughout the Convention.
- asking attendees not to attend if they are feeling under the weather in any way.
- asking that all attendees get vaccinated for COVID-19 if they have not already done so.
The space the DPO has booked is large and will allow for social distancing while in the convention hall. If you are a member of the press that would like to attend, please contact [email protected] to make arrangements no later than 24 hours in advance.
To learn more, visit dpo.org/SD15.
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