Oregon House Democrats nominate Dan Rayfield as speaker, Julie Fahey as majority leader

Rep. Dan A. Rayfield, Dist. 16
Rep. Dan A. Rayfield, Dist. 16
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Oregon House Democratic caucus members nominated Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, to replace Rep. Tina Kotek as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in a closed legislative meeting Sunday night.

Rayfield's nomination comes after Kotek's announcement earlier this month to resign from the Oregon Legislature to focus on her campaign for governor. Kotek, who served as speaker for nine years — the longest-serving House speaker in Oregon history — is set to resign Jan. 22.

Speaker Pro Tempore Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, will serve as the speaker until the House votes to formally appoint Rayfield when the 2022 legislative session begins Feb. 1, according to a release from the Oregon House Democrats.

“I ran to be Speaker to help guide the House as we collectively work to build a recovery that reaches all Oregonians," Rayfield, 42, said in a statement Sunday night. "Our economy has picked up steam in recent months and I have tremendous optimism about our state's future. But after years of living in a global pandemic, I know many are still hurting. The omicron variant is contributing to workforce shortages and challenges for our students, educators and families. But I know there is a brighter future ahead and I am committed to working with both parties and both chambers to lead the entire state forward."

Senate President Peter Courtney speaks with House Speaker Tina Kotek on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore. All but one House Republican was absent from the House chamber as a scheduled floor session began in the afternoon, denying the chamber a quorum it needs to consider the maps.
Senate President Peter Courtney speaks with House Speaker Tina Kotek on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore. All but one House Republican was absent from the House chamber as a scheduled floor session began in the afternoon, denying the chamber a quorum it needs to consider the maps.

Rayfield was elected to the Legislature in 2014. He represents House District 16, comprising Corvallis and Philomath.

He has served as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, the state’s lead budget-writing committee, since 2019, the release said. He also has prioritized campaign finance reform since joining the Legislature.

Rayfield was born in Oregon and graduated from Western Oregon University and the Willamette University College of Law. His work as an attorney primarily involves representing individuals with consumer and civil rights cases against large corporations and insurance companies.

Rep. Wnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, said she intends to formally nominate Rayfield on the House floor.

“I’ve had great experiences working with Rep. Rayfield and his office to expand voting rights and improve healthcare access to all Oregonians,” Rep. Campos said in a statement. “I’m excited that we will continue to have a Speaker who is a champion for progressive policies that are going to benefit working families, historically marginalized communities and all who desperately need support as we navigate the pandemic.”

Fahey elected House majority leader

House Democrats elected Rep. Julie Fahey, D-West Eugene/Junction City, to replace Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, D-Portland, as majority leader.

Fahey assumes the role immediately following the election. Smith Warner, who became majority leader in 2019, will continue to serve as the representative for House District 45.

Fahey joined the Legislature in 2017, tackling Oregon’s housing crisis while serving as chair of the House Committee on Housing.

14th District Rep. Julie Fahey.
14th District Rep. Julie Fahey.

During the 2021 legislative session, she played a critical role in securing $765 million dollars in investments for affordable housing and permanent supportive housing, down payment assistance, homeless services and tenant support, officials said.

Fahey led efforts during December's special session to extend the safe harbor policy, in addition to investing $215 million for housing protections, keeping thousands of people housed.

During her tenure, Smith Warner led the passage of the Student Success Act to establish ongoing dedicated funding (currently at $1 billion per year) for pre-K to 12 education for the first time in a generation, and oversaw the passage of safe storage requirements for firearms. She continues to be a strong advocate for worker rights and living wage jobs.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the Oregon House Democrats through the challenges of the last few years," Warner Smith said in a statement. "I am proud that we led with science and good faith in our pandemic response, centered the needs of those most impacted, both economically and health-wise, and acknowledged and addressed the continued racial justice imbalances in our state."

Additionally, Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, was elected majority whip, Rep. Andrea Valderrama, D-East Portland, was elected deputy majority whip, and Rep. Karin Power, D-Milwaukie, as assistant majority leader.

Virginia Barreda is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at 503-399-6657 or at vbarreda@statesmanjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon House Dems nominate Rayfield as speaker, Fahey as majority leader