Oregon House Race: A Party Switcher Faces a Tough Coast Test

State legislative races often hinge on local issues, but one contest on the Oregon coast has attracted unusual attention due to a dramatic shift in party allegiance. The race for House District 32 has become a focal point for voters and political observers alike, driven by the unique trajectory of incumbent Cyrus Javadi.

Javadi, a 49-year-old legislator, is seeking a third term after previously winning the seat twice as a Republican. He is now asking voters to send him back to Salem as a Democrat, a move that has upended his political standing. The district stretches from Astoria in the north to Neskowin in the south, covering a rugged stretch of the North Coast.

The central issue in this campaign is infrastructure funding, specifically the state's road system. Last year, Javadi provided the critical vote to pass a transportation tax package sponsored by Gov. Tina Kotek. The measure included a 6-cent increase in the gas tax, a provision that proved unpopular with many residents. Javadi argued that without new revenue, neglected roads battered by wind and rain would continue to deteriorate.

The political landscape in District 32 is competitive and unpredictable. While there are approximately 2,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, nonaffiliated voters outnumber both parties. With roughly 55,800 registered voters, these independents could determine the outcome. Republicans have made significant inroads in recent years, flipping the seat in 2020 after Democrats held it for 16 years.

Javadi’s opponent is Max Sherman, a 69-year-old farmer and retired high school teacher from Hebo. Sherman positions himself as an anti-tax candidate who prioritizes the state’s agricultural, fishing, and forestry sectors. He criticizes Javadi for changing his positions, noting that many local voters have lost trust in the incumbent. Sherman’s campaign combines traditional Republican themes, such as cutting regulation and ending DEI initiatives, with a focus on economic stability.

The campaign has been costly, with both candidates raising more than $1 million each. This spending could make it the most expensive House race in the state this year, allowing for advertising in the broader Portland market. Local party leaders have reacted strongly to Javadi’s switch. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, described Javadi as an opportunist, noting the irony of a former tax opponent now receiving an endorsement from Planned Parenthood.

Javadi frames his evolution as a strength rather than a weakness. Raised in a conservative Mormon family in Utah, he said he found his former colleagues’ arguments increasingly unconvincing. He cited his support for a Democratic bill protecting school book collections, inspired by his gay son, as a turning point. Although voters rejected the transportation tax package by a landslide in May, Javadi maintains that the state must find new funding sources for roads and bridges.

The incumbent plans to continue door-to-door canvassing until Election Day, a strategy he believes is essential for connecting with voters in such a geographically spread out district. He uses artificial intelligence to help organize his lengthy Substack posts, where he explains his changing views. As the election approaches, both candidates view the race as a close contest that will likely be decided in the final days.