Axios on Dems’ primary woes in Oregon’s 5th
Axios details how “the emergence of problematic candidates and messy primaries in several key races could complicate” House Democrats’ chances of retaking the majority.
The story highlights three races—beginning with Oregon’s 5th Congressional district. Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s entry into the race sets up a brutal, bloody primary fight.
McLeod-Skinner is a California Bay Area politician who voted to allow homeless camps to take over neighborhoods. McLeod-Skinner supported a socialist government takeover of health care and endorsed the far-left Green New Deal. She is backed by extreme activist groups that support defunding the police.
“Ultra-progressive Jamie McLeod-Skinner is in and the race to the left is on. McLeod-Skinner prioritizes the most extreme progressive causes at the expense of Oregonians’ wallets and safety. Jamie McLeod-Skinner is just too progressive and liberal.” – NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen
In case you missed it…
House Democrats face possible primary headaches
Axios
Josh Kraushaar
While Democrats hold a fighting chance to win back the House majority in 2024, the emergence of problematic candidates and messy primaries in several key races could complicate their path.
Why it matters: The Democrats’ House campaign committee doesn’t plan on getting involved in contested primaries, according to officials familiar with its strategy. That runs the risk that weaker candidates could emerge in must-win races — a dynamic that Republicans are very familiar with.
Driving the news: Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a progressive attorney who lost an Oregon district that Biden carried by nine points in 2022, is planning to seek a rematch against Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.).
- But Democratic state Rep. Janelle Bynum is already in the race — and said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) encouraged her to run.
- A co-owner of McDonald’s franchises, Bynum is seen by party leaders as a more business-friendly candidate better positioned to win swing voters.