Oregon House Race Costs Millions as Switching Lawmaker Defies Local Expectations

A legislative seat that changed hands just four years ago is once again the center of a heated political battle. The conflict centers on Cyrus Javadi, who previously secured victory twice as a Republican but now seeks a return to Salem as a Democrat. This partisan pivot has turned his reelection effort into one of the most scrutinized contests in state politics. Voters in this coastal region are deciding whether to embrace his new alignment or return to the previous party in power.

The journey to this moment began with a series of rapid decisions. Last year, Javadi broke with his former party to support a transportation tax package led by Gov. Tina Kotek. That package included a six-cent increase in gas prices, a move many residents viewed unfavorably. Shortly after casting that decisive vote, he updated his registration to Democrat. He explained that the region’s roads, battered by wind and rain, required new funding that was unavailable without such measures.

The political landscape in House District 32 remains fluid. While Democrats currently hold a numerical advantage of about 2,000 registered voters over Republicans, that lead has not guaranteed recent wins. Republicans took the seat in 2020 after a long period of Democratic control. With nonaffiliated voters making up the largest group among the roughly 55,800 eligible residents, these uncommitted individuals may hold the deciding power. Javadi has spent much of his time walking neighborhoods to secure their support.

His opponent, Max Sherman, is a 69-year-old farmer and former high school teacher from Hebo. Sherman emphasizes his background in agriculture, fishing, and forestry, viewing these sectors as the backbone of the local economy. His campaign blends traditional Republican themes, such as reducing regulations and ending diversity initiatives, with a critique of Javadi’s shifting stance. Sherman argues that many locals have lost confidence in Javadi, even though he also supports prioritizing funding for the state transportation department. He positions himself as an anti-tax candidate to appeal to budget-conscious voters.

Reaction within the local Republican base has been mixed. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, called Javadi an opportunist. She noted that local party members feel a range of emotions, from anger to relief. Betsy Johnson, a former Democrat who served in the legislature for twenty years, has also thrown her support behind Sherman through television advertisements. Both campaigns have raised over one million dollars, potentially making this the most expensive House race of the year. This financial strength has allowed them to purchase ads in the Portland market, which covers the district.

Javadi frames his change of heart as a sign of growth rather than inconsistency. He grew up in a conservative Mormon family in Utah and felt that arguments from his former colleagues lost their persuasiveness over time. Last year, he backed a bill that made it harder for schools to ban books, a move he linked to his gay son. He also supported a measure using healthcare provider taxes to boost federal Medicaid funding. He was the sole Republican to endorse the governor’s 4.3 billion dollar transportation plan, believing the benefits outweighed the political risks.

Voters ultimately rejected that tax package in a May vote. Javadi maintains that the state needs more money for infrastructure but argues the election results showed a desire for repairs without the specific gas tax hike. He notes that the topic rarely comes up during his door-to-door visits, even when he meets dozens of people daily. His campaign emphasizes that his core values remain intact. Some Democrats, including a self-described liberal from Tillamook, have welcomed his arrival. Javadi uses artificial intelligence to help organize his lengthy online posts, though he writes most of the content himself. He intends to continue knocking on doors until the day of the election.