Democrat Lesly Muñoz has emerged victorious in a come-from-behind win to secure the Woodburn-area seat in the Oregon House, delivering a supermajority to her party and cementing Democrat control over both legislative branches. Muñoz beat out Republican incumbent Tracy Cramer by 161 votes after thousands of remaining ballots were counted in Marion County. The victory marks a significant shift in power, as Democrats now have a three-fifths majority in the House, allowing them to enact new taxes or increase existing ones without Republican support. The party also gained control of the state Senate, ensuring a Democrat-dominated legislature.
Muñoz campaigned on a platform centered around lowering household costs for working families, and her win sets the stage for the 2025 legislative session, where Democrats will focus on affordability, effective governance, and public safety. Despite the shift in power, Republican House Leader Christine Drazan has expressed concerns about extreme control in the legislature, arguing for more voices and perspectives to influence outcomes.
House Majority Leader Ben Bowman emphasized the importance of governing for all Oregonians, promising to work on critical issues such as housing, homelessness, and public safety. With 36 House seats now held by Democrats, Speaker Julie Fahey highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing these priorities and continuing their work in Salem.
Overall, Muñoz’s unexpected victory showcases the power of the democratic process and the importance of every vote counted. The 2025 legislative session is poised to be a critical time for addressing key issues and advancing the interests of Oregonians.
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