Drazan, Boshart Davis: Allegations over Bynum CD#5, House Democrats are deeply disturbing

Drazan, Boshart Davis: Allegations involving Janelle Bynum, House Democrats are deeply disturbing
By Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis
& Christine Drazan,

Albany/Canby, OR – Christine Drazan and Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis today spoke out about a deeply concerning media report involving Rep. Janelle Bynum and Oregon House Democrats. The story, based on reporting from multiple sources, confirms the existence of an active police investigation, as well as a legislative complaint related to sexual harassment and assault.

“The allegations brought to light in this story are deeply concerning and warrant a full vetting,” said Boshart Davis, “When we’re talking about issues like harassment, issues like sexual assault – including an alleged assault involving a minor – it’s essential that we pursue the truth and put victims first. Regrettably, it’s clear from the reporting that there is an attempt to shift blame away from those in power to protect that power at all costs.”

According to the report, a complaint was filed with the legislature’s Legislative Equity Office, “alleging that Bynum had failed to be a mandatory reporter of allegations against a man working for the PAC that staffed her State Representative campaign in 2022.” The report goes on to note, “state police have conducted interviews” related to the potential criminal matter.

Bynum, through a spokesperson, attempted to shift blame to Future PAC, the political action committee affiliated with Oregon House Democrats, for any failures related to allegations. That’s despite reporting that alleges Bynum had direct knowledge of the individual and alleged misconduct. National Democratic groups echoed the talking points, with a spokesperson for the Congressional Black Caucus PAC quoted as saying:

“Future PAC and Oregon Speaker of the House Julie Fahey ought to take responsibility for the alleged HR failures in their organization – We won’t tolerate politically convenient blame shifting on the only Black woman in the State House.”

“Let’s call this what it is: a political coverup of potential criminal misconduct,” said Drazan. “It’s made worse by Janelle Bynum’s attempts to shift blame away from herself and onto a nameless, faceless political action committee and represents a clear failure in leadership. It’s an outright failure to protect a minor in an incredibly vulnerable situation. They deserved better. Women in Oregon deserve better. It should not be lost on anyone that, if not for media reports, Janelle Bynum and House Democrats would have been content to completely sweep these serious allegations under the rug.”

You can read the full story published on October 5, here.