A defiant Peter DeFazio says voters saw through the GOP’s push to unseat him, despite millions of dollars spent on challenger Alek Skarlatos’ campaign. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports on the outcome of Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District Race.
OpenSecrets.org says Republican candidate Skarlatos raised nearly $4.5 million, compared to DeFazio’s $3.7 million. The Democratic incumbent held onto his seat with 52 percent of the vote, ahead of Skarlatos’ 45 percent.
But DeFazio is measured in his enthusiasm, as his preferred presidential candidate, Joe Biden, is in a tight and uncertain race against President Trump.
“The economy’s in the tank because Trump didn’t deal with COVID, honestly and aggressively from the beginning," he told KLCC. "And holding rallies and creating superspreading events around the country so he could feed his ego and get reelected? That is absolutely outrageous.”
DeFazio says in his eighteenth term in Congress, he’ll work to push a national infrastructure project to update transportation systems across the U.S.
In a press release issued late on Election Night, Alek Skarlatos stated:
"I want to thank my grassroots supporters all across Oregon and the country. This race would have never come this close without your support, and I am thankful for each and every one of you. Together we created the most exciting campaign this district has ever seen, and while it is incredibly heart breaking to see the results tonight, I am so proud of the work that my team has done, and I am very thankful for the time and sacrifice they have given over the past 18 months. This has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I am incredibly humbled for having the opportunity to run for office and bring attention to the needs of the citizens of this district. Once again, thank you to everyone who supported me along the way and congratulations to Peter DeFazio on his win tonight."
Copyright 2020, KLCC.
