Javadi Bets on Democratic Label in Tight Oregon Coast Race

Cyrus Javadi seeks a third term in the Oregon House of Representatives, but he is running under a new banner. The 49-year-old legislator previously won his seat twice as a Republican. Now, he asks voters to return him to Salem as a Democrat. This shift makes his campaign a focal point for state political watchers.

The financial stakes are high. Both Javadi and his opponent have raised over one million dollars. This funding level may make it the costliest House race in the state this year. The money has bought advertising space in the Portland media market. That reach extends into the coastal district. The contest is described by some as a total toss-up and a nail-biter.

Javadi represents House District 32, which covers a long stretch from Astoria to Neskowin. His switch came after two significant moves last year. He cast the decisive vote to pass a transportation tax package. That package included a six-cent increase in the gas tax. Shortly after, he changed his party registration. He explained that new revenue was necessary to fix the roads damaged by wind and rain.

The district has a slight Democratic registration edge of about two thousand voters. However, that margin has not guaranteed a win in recent elections. Republicans took the seat in 2020 after a 16-year Democratic hold. Nonaffiliated voters outnumber both parties among the 55,800 registered voters. Because of this, Javadi has spent time canvassing neighborhoods along the coast.

Max Sherman, a 69-year-old farmer and retired teacher from Hebo, challenges Javadi. Sherman highlights his background in agriculture, fishing, and forestry. He views these sectors as the economic core of the North Coast. His campaign blends standard Republican themes, like cutting regulations, with attacks on Javadi's shifting stance. Sherman said many locals have lost trust in the incumbent. He also positions himself as an anti-tax candidate who still supports funding the state transportation department.

Local party leaders have mixed feelings about the switch. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, called Javadi an opportunist. She noted that he once opposed taxes and abortion but is now endorsed by Planned Parenthood. She said local Republican reactions range from anger to relief. Former legislator Betsy Johnson, a two-decade veteran of the area, also backs Sherman in television ads.

Javadi frames his change as a natural evolution. He grew up in a conservative Mormon family in Utah. He later found his former colleagues' arguments less convincing. He supported a bill making it harder for school districts to ban books, citing his gay son. He was the only Republican to support the governor's 4.3 billion dollar transportation plan. Voters rejected that plan by a wide margin in May. Javadi believes the vote showed a desire for fixed roads without the gas tax hike. He plans to keep knocking on doors until Election Day.