Debates set for congressional race

U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer has agreed to participate in four televised debates ahead of the general election in Oregon’s closest congressional district.

Chavez-DeRemer’s announcement continues more than a month of negotiations over debates since her Democratic opponent, state Rep. Janelle Bynum, challenged her to three debates – one hosted by a Portland TV station, one hosted by a Bend TV station, and one live-streamed debate hosted by an organization with a print or radio news outlet.

Chavez-DeRemer accepted debate offers from Central Oregon Daily and KTVZ, both based in Bend, as well as KATU and KOIN, based in Portland. The 5th Congressional District stretches from central Oregon to the eastern edge of Portland, crossing the Cascades.

Nick Trainer, a senior advisor for Chavez-DeRemer’s re-election campaign, said the first-term congresswoman is eager to highlight her accomplishments and reputation for bipartisan work to as many Oregonians as possible.

“On the other hand, her opponent has had a front-row seat to failed policies that have spelled disaster for Oregon,” Trainer said. “We look forward to hearing Janelle Bynum apologize for solidifying Measure 110 and creating an unprecedented drug crisis and at the same time apologize to victims for working to let criminals loose on the streets while undermining law enforcement.”

In his Friday statement, Trainer said Bynum had evaded questions about her opinions on President Joe Biden’s fitness for another term. Biden ended his presidential campaign Sunday and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Bynum endorsed Harris on Monday, saying she was “the candidate to meet this moment.”

Bynum campaign manager Blakely Wall reiterated Bynum’s eagerness to debate.

“Janelle Bynum is eager to face Lori Chavez-DeRemer on the debate stage to highlight her record of standing up for Oregonians and her vision for the future,” Wall said. “Lori talks a big game in Oregon but still refuses to hold in-person town halls and she owes her constituents answers on why she goes to Washington and puts the extreme MAGA agenda ahead of us.”