Brad Martin Steps Down as Director of Oregon Democratic Party After 12 Years
In a significant transition for the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO), Brad Martin announced his departure from the role of director, effective July. Having served for over a decade, Martin expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting it has been an honor to contribute to the party’s success.
Under Martin’s leadership, the DPO expanded its fundraising capabilities, notably raising nearly $5 million for the 2022 election cycle—twice the amounts raised in 2014 and 2018. This growth has solidified the party’s dominance in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by approximately 10%. The DPO’s success has been bolstered by collaborative efforts with the state’s congressional delegation, major funders, and public employee unions, enabling control over the Legislature and all statewide elected offices.
However, Martin’s tenure was not without controversy. The DPO faced scrutiny over a $500,000 contribution from Nishad Singh, a former executive at the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX. This significant donation was initially misreported, prompting investigations and a subsequent fine from the Secretary of State for failure to disclose the donor’s identity. Following FTX’s bankruptcy, federal prosecutors sought recovery of the donation, creating a financial challenge for the DPO.
Despite these setbacks, senior officials, including U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, praised Martin’s leadership and the party’s achievements during his tenure. “Brad excelled at those measures of success, with Democratic candidates winning regularly,” Wyden stated.
As the DPO prepares to find Martin’s successor, Deputy Director Candy Emmons will step in as interim executive director, ensuring continuity for the party during this transition. The DPO remains focused on maintaining its position of strength as it heads into future electoral challenges.
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