By The Portland Medium
Janelle Bynum, a four-term Democratic state lawmaker, has made history by winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming Oregon’s first Black member of Congress. Her victory in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District over Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer not only establishes a new milestone for representation in Oregon but also marks a significant win for Democrats, who reclaimed the district after it flipped red in 2022.
As of Monday morning, Bynum held 47.78% of the vote, totaling 178,054 votes, while Chavez-DeRemer garnered 44.98%, with 167,600 votes. Bynum’s win extends a record of victories over Chavez-DeRemer, whom she had previously defeated in state legislative races in 2016 and 2018.
“I am beyond honored,” Bynum said in a statement following her victory. “My work has always been a love letter to Oregon’s children. I ran for office to make their futures brighter, and I’ll do just that in Washington — for their education, for their reproductive freedoms, for their job opportunities, and so much more.”
Bynum’s win reflects a strong showing in multiple counties within the district:
• Clackamas County: Bynum received 49.86% of the votes (76,370), while Chavez-DeRemer garnered 43.27% (66,278).
• Deschutes County: Bynum led with 51.07% of the votes (52,071), compared to Chavez-DeRemer’s 42.52% (43,348).
• Jefferson County: Chavez-DeRemer outperformed Bynum, with 60% of the vote to Bynum’s 26.67%.
• Linn County: Chavez-DeRemer held a significant lead, receiving 58.36% of the vote (38,864) to Bynum’s 31.77% (21,154).
• Marion County: Chavez-DeRemer also led with 62.05% (14,310) compared to Bynum’s 30.68% (7,075).
• Multnomah County: Bynum dominated with 76.78% of the vote (21,380), while Chavez-DeRemer received 17.20% (4,791).
Bynum’s strong showing in urban and suburban areas of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Deschutes counties highlights her appeal among a diverse coalition of voters, reflecting both the demographic shifts within the district and growing support for Democratic policies focused on equity, economic development, and social services.
A businesswoman, engineer, and mother of four, Bynum has a long-standing commitment to education, community, and service. Raised in Washington, D.C., the daughter of teachers, she learned early on the value of education as a tool for social change. Facing challenges such as drug violence in her neighborhood, Bynum earned scholarships that allowed her to attend Florida A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. She later obtained an MBA from the University of Michigan. Together with her husband, Mark, she owns and operates four restaurants in Oregon, where she continues to invest in the community by mentoring employees and supporting educational opportunities.
During her campaign, Bynum emphasized tackling key issues, including affordable housing, reproductive rights, economic prosperity, and homelessness. She has served as a leading voice on these topics during her time in the Oregon House of Representatives, representing northern Clackamas County since 2016. Bynum’s legislative work has focused on expanding access to affordable housing, mental health services, and job creation — issues she plans to champion further in Congress.
One of her signature priorities is addressing Oregon’s housing affordability crisis. “Too many Oregonians are priced out of their communities or unable to afford a home,” she has noted, citing the need for federal action on affordable
housing and tenant protections. As a state legislator, she supported measures to reduce housing costs, streamline housing construction, and assist low-income families with utility costs. In Congress, she plans to advocate for policies that promote affordable housing nationwide, as well as support resources for Oregon’s growing housing needs.
Bynum’s legislative record also includes significant work to combat homelessness. She has been involved in expanding shelter capacity, increasing access to mental health resources, and passing measures aimed at preventing homelessness. In her congressional role, she plans to work alongside local and state leaders to allocate additional resources for shelter expansion, mental health support, and affordable housing development, ensuring that communities have comprehensive tools to address one of Oregon’s most pressing issues.
Economic development and support for small businesses are also central to Bynum’s platform. As chair of the Oregon House Committee on Small Business and Economic Development, Bynum has worked extensively to support small businesses and drive economic growth. She co-chaired the Joint Committee on Semiconductors, spearheading the Oregon CHIPS Act, which aims to strengthen Oregon’s technology sector and expand opportunities in STEM fields. This act has been hailed as a major success in bolstering the state’s economy, and Bynum has pledged to continue advocating for pro-business, pro-worker policies that support local economies.
Healthcare affordability remains another priority for Bynum, who has consistently advocated for accessible healthcare and mental health services. During her tenure in the Oregon legislature, she supported initiatives to expand Medicare and Medicaid and has called for lowering prescription drug prices. She has spoken out on the importance of healthcare access, noting that no American should face bankruptcy due to medical costs. In Congress, Bynum intends to continue working toward comprehensive healthcare reform, focusing on policies that alleviate financial burdens for working families.
Bynum’s election is seen as a significant milestone in Oregon’s political history, bringing greater diversity and representation to the state’s federal delegation. As she prepares to take office, Bynum has pledged to address the challenges affecting Oregonians and work for a more equitable and inclusive future.
