House Democrats Nominate Rep. Dan Rayfield to Be Next Speaker

Meeting via Zoom, the Oregon House Democratic caucus today chose state Rep. Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) to be the likely next speaker of the House.

“I’m deeply honored that my caucus has entrusted me with this nomination,” Rayfield said in a statement. “The Omicron variant is contributing to workforce shortages and challenges for our students, educators and families. But I know there is a brighter future ahead and I am committed to working with both parties and both chambers to lead the entire state forward.”

Rayfield, 42, emerged from a closely contested competition with three-term incumbent Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Happy Valley), who had hoped to become the first Black speaker in Oregon history.

Rayfield, a plaintiff’s lawyer, currently serves as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, which writes the state’s budget. He first won election to his seat in 2014. He will now face a floor vote to confirm his position, but given that Democrats hold a 37-23 supermajority over Republicans, that vote is a formality.

Read more: https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2022/01/16/house-democrats-nominate-rep-dan-rayfield-to-be-next-speaker/
(Williamette Week)