Cyrus Javadi spends $1 million to defend party switch in Oregon House race

Cyrus Javadi has raised more than $1 million to defend his decision to run for reelection as a Democrat in Oregon House District 32. His opponent, Max Sherman, has also raised over $1 million, making this potentially the state's most expensive House race this year.

Javadi previously won the seat twice as a Republican. He changed his party registration to Democrat last year after voting for a transportation tax package. This move followed his provision of the decisive vote to pass Gov. Tina Kotek's plan, which included a 6-cent gas tax increase.

The district spans from Astoria to Neskowin and contains roughly 55,800 voters. While there are about 2,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, nonaffiliated voters outnumber both parties. Javadi is canvassing neighborhoods to reach these unaffiliated voters, who may decide the election.

Sherman, a 69-year-old farmer and retired teacher from Hebo, is challenging Javadi's shift. He argues that Javadi has lost the trust of local voters. Sherman emphasizes his background in agriculture, fishing, and forestry, which he calls the economic engines of the North Coast. He combines standard Republican themes, such as cutting regulation, with an anti-tax message.

Local Republican leaders have reacted with mixed feelings to the switch. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, described Javadi as an opportunist. She noted that Javadi once opposed taxes and abortion but is now endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Betsy Johnson, a former Democratic legislator, has also endorsed Sherman in television advertisements.

Both campaigns have used their fundraising to buy ads in the Portland market, which reaches the district. Sherman called the race a total toss-up that could be a nail-biter. Javadi, 49, says his evolution is a strength, citing his conservative Mormon upbringing in Utah. He argued that his Republican colleagues' positions became less convincing over time.

Voters rejected the transportation tax package by a landslide in May. Javadi maintains that the state needs more money for roads but believes the vote showed a desire for infrastructure fixes without the specific gas tax. He says the May vote rarely comes up during his daily door-knocking sessions, where he meets up to 40 people a day.

Javadi's campaign promotes the message that he stands by his values. He has written lengthy posts on Substack explaining his changes of position, noting that he uses artificial intelligence primarily as an editor and organizer. He plans to continue knocking on doors until Election Day.