Two Eugene Democrats ran to succeed long-time State Representative Paul Holvey’s District 8 seat in south Eugene.
On election night, educator Lisa Fragala was ahead with 75% of the vote. Legislative staffer Doyle Canning was trailing with 25% of the vote.
Fragala is a long-time teacher and Lane Community College Board member. During her campaign she focused on increasing resources for schools and access to healthcare.
At a watch party in downtown Eugene, Fragala thanked the crowd for giving her a primary victory over fellow Democratopponent Doyle Canning.
"I’m feeling absolutely inspired to serve this community," she said. "I feel like it was a strong victory and the support here has been absolutely amazing.”
As a longtime educator, Fragala attributed the outcome to relationships she’s built in District 8.
“I knocked doors this last week and I met students that I taught in kindergarten who are graduating from college," she said. "People know me and they’ve seen the work that I’ve been doing in this community for two decades and so they know the kind of state representative I will be.”
Canning is a community organizer and is legislative director for Rep. Khanh Pham, D-Portland.
She conceded defeat and said she called Fragala to congratulate her.
"Although tonight's results were not as we had hoped for, there is still more work to be done to create the change our community needs," Canning said in a statement released by her campaign.
Canning was also a target for outside spending by a group dedicated to electing moderate Democrats.
No Republicans filed to run in House District 8.
