CANBY, Ore. — Christine Drazan announced her candidacy for the race for Oregon's 51st House District on Tuesday.
The 51st House District includes much of Clackamas County, including Canby, Eagle Creek, Estacada and Sandy. Drazan previously represented the area from 2019 to 2022.
Republican Rep. Vicki Breese-Iverson took over Drazan's role as House Republican Leader after Drazan resigned to focus on her run for governor in 2022. Drazan ultimately lost to Democrat Gov. Tina Kotek. Kotek had pulled ahead with 917,000 votes, while Drazan claimed second with 850,000 votes, followed by unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson with 168,000 votes.
"From growing up in Southern Oregon to raising a family in Canby, I've been proud to call myself a lifelong Oregonian. There is no better, more beautiful, place to call home," Drazan said in a statement announcing her run.
"Despite unparalleled possibility, those who control the levers of power have failed to uphold their duty to the Oregonians who elected them." she added. "With rampant crime and homelessness in our major cities, failing schools that leave our children behind, crushing regulations along with the highest taxes in the nation, that has added to a growing affordability crisis, Oregon faces challenges that will not be overcome with more of the same."
Drazan declared her candidacy for Oregon's 51st House District, saying that she "cannot in good conscience remain on the sidelines as Oregon's leaders push our state further into decline."
She has received the endorsement from Matt Bunch, who is withdrawing from the race to support Drazan.
“When Christine Drazan let me know that she wanted to return to her position as state representative, I was excited she was stepping up and proud to support her," Bunch said. "On all of the issues we campaigned on, from repealing Measure 110, to being a strong voice for parents in their children's education, to maintaining local control in our communities, Christine has been a fighter for years. I appreciate all the support I've received, and I know those people will be excited to support Christine as well.”
Drazan will face State Rep. James Hieb in the Republican primary. Hieb, the incumbent, was originally appointed to fill the seat after Drazan vacated it to focus on her run for governor.