Suzanne Bonamici defeats Republican businessman Rob Cornilles in race to represent Oregon’s First Congressional District. Bonamici replaces David Wu, who resigned last August after being implicated in a sex scandal.
NPR reports Democrat Suzanne Bonamici defeated Republican Rob Cornilles Tuesday night. With 69 percent of the vote counted, Bonamici led Cornilles 54 percent to 39 percent.
Bonamici will serve the remainder of Wu’s term, but must run for re-election in November.
Bonamici gave up her seat in the Oregon State Senate to run for congress. In addition to her experience in the state legislature, Bonamici, a lawyer, also has experience working on consumer protection issues at the Federal Trade Commission.
Bonamici’s victory comes as little surprise. The district has been held by a Democrat since 1974. Bonamici ran a traditional Democratic campaign, advocating protection for Social Security and Medicare, job creation, and debt control. National Democrats put more than $1 million into Bonamici’s campaign.
Oregon’s First Congressional District covers downtown Portland, suburbs in Washington County, and areas of Clatsop, Columbia and Yamhill counties. The distirct includes a high-tech hub and the global headquarters for both Nike Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Company. The district stretches from Portland to the Pacific coast.
In her acceptance speech Tuesday night Bonamici thanked her family, her campaign team, and her supporters. Speaking before a cheering crowd in downtown Portland, Bonamici said:
"I am truly honored to represent such an important and diverse district. And in that representation, I will always put people before politics."
Oregon Democrat spokesperson Meredith Wood celebrated the victory by proclaiming:
“Oregonians have called on Suzanne Bonamici to serve, and it is with great pride that we’ll watch our new congresswoman get to work for the people of this district. Suzanne’s promise of new leadership resonated with voters who valued her unmatched integrity, passion for the issues and record of fighting for middle-class Oregon families and seniors.”
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