Lynn Wins Primary
Republican Claire Lynn has secured the nomination in Oregon House District 9, defeating opponent Troy Cribbins by a wide margin. Unofficial results show Lynn receiving just over 75% of the vote. The seat is open following the retirement of Representative Boomer Wright. Lynn, a legislative staffer and Florence-area native, emphasized support for coastal communities and natural resource industries during the campaign. She’ll face Democrat John Scheirman in the November general election.
Bond Fails
Voters in the Siuslaw School District have rejected a proposed bond that would have funded a new high school. Measure 20-379 failed in Tuesday’s election, marking the third unsuccessful attempt to pass a school bond in the district. Unofficial results show just over 5,700 ballots cast, with 3,629 voting no and 2,068 in favor. The measure would have funded a new high school along with upgrades to existing facilities. No official decision has been announced on next steps, though district leaders have previously indicated the need to address aging school infrastructure.
No New Gas Tax
Oregon voters have overwhelmingly rejected Measure 120, blocking a plan to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees statewide. Early returns show nearly 80% of voters opposed the measure, with more than 60,000 ballots cast against it. The referendum would have upheld a 2025 legislative package increasing the state gas tax by 6 cents per gallon, along with higher title and registration fees and a temporary payroll tax increase for transit. Now, with the measure defeated, those increases will not take effect, leaving state leaders to look for other ways to address ongoing transportation funding shortfalls.
Other Significant Races
Preliminary election results show several key races taking shape across Oregon. Incumbent Senator Jeff Merkley easily secured the Democratic nomination with more than 93% of the vote. On the Republican side, the Senate race remains close, with David Brock Smith holding a narrow lead over Jo Rae Perkins as ballots continue to be counted. In Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, Democrat Val Hoyle won her primary with about 77% of the vote, while Republican Monique DeSpain secured her party’s nomination, setting up a rematch in November. In the governor’s race, Tina Kotek won the Democratic primary, and Republican Christine Drazan has been declared the GOP nominee, setting up a rematch between the two in the general election. Locally, West Lane Commissioner Ryan Ceniga received about 61% of the vote, surpassing the 50% threshold in the non-partisan race, meaning he wins the seat outright and will not face a challenger in November.
