Gelser Blouin, Hoyle considered top Dem options to replace DeFazio

By Reagan Knopp

With the announcement that he won’t seek re-election, speculation in D.C. and Salem has turned to how many Democrats will seek to replace Peter DeFazio in Oregon’s 4th congressional district.

Many of those we spoke to named Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle (D-Eugene) and State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin (D-Corvallis) as top options for Democrats. No Democratic candidates have announced their intentions at this time.

Turnover in Oregon’s congressional delegation had been few and far between until recently. Greg Walden’s retirement in 2020 created a rare open seat opportunity. Oregon recently received a 6th congressional district has no incumbent and will also be open. Oregon’s 4th congressional district has been represented by DeFazio since 1987. This is the third open seat in two elections for Oregon. Earl Blumenauer will become the senior Congressman from Oregon.