Thursday was the first day that Oregon candidates could file to run in the May primary. Among the dozens of office-seekers throwing their name in the ring was longtime Congressman Peter DeFazio.
DeFazio is a Democrat from Springfield and he’s represented Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District since 1987. If he wins re-election, it would be his 18th term in office.
Several Republicans have said they want to unseat DeFazio, including Alek Skarlatos, a veteran who gained fame for his role in thwarting a terrorist attack in a French train.
DeFazio said he’s confident in his ability to win another term, but he isn’t taking anything for granted. “I’ve had a full-time campaign for years, but I’ve geared up earlier than ever," he said. "I’ve already got a field director, I’ve already got a communications director.”
After serving in the minority in Washington for years, DeFazio won a role as the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in January after Democrats regained control of the chamber in the 2018 elections.
