Cyrus Javadi Targets Independent Voters With $1 Million Oregon Coast Push

Cyrus Javadi has raised more than $1 million to fund his bid for a third term in Oregon's House District 32. The 49-year-old lawmaker previously won the seat twice as a Republican. He is now running as a Democrat after switching party registrations last year. His opponent, Max Sherman, has also raised over $1 million. The combined spending makes this one of the most expensive House races in the state this year.

Javadi changed his political alignment in two specific steps. First, he cast the deciding vote to pass Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation tax package. The plan included a 6-cent increase in the state gas tax, a measure that drew widespread criticism. Shortly after the vote, he switched his registration to the Democratic Party. Javadi stated that he concluded new revenue was necessary to repair roads in his district, which stretches from Astoria to Neskowin.

Voters in the district rejected the transportation tax package by a large margin in May. Javadi maintains that the state needs more money for infrastructure but believes voters want repairs without the specific gas tax increase. He reports that the topic rarely comes up when he knocks on doors, even when he meets 30 or 40 people in a single day. His campaign is focused on his personal values and his support for a bill that made it harder for school districts to ban books.

Sherman, a 69-year-old farmer and retired high school teacher from Hebo, is challenging Javadi's shift. He describes the North Coast's economy as relying on agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Sherman campaigns on reducing regulation and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He also criticizes Javadi's changing positions on tax and social issues. "A lot of people here have lost trust in him," Sherman said.

Local political figures have weighed in on the contest. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, called Javadi an opportunist. She noted that Javadi previously opposed taxes and abortion but now has an endorsement from Planned Parenthood. Lamping said reactions among local Republicans range from anger to relief. Betsy Johnson, a former Democratic legislator who represented the area for 20 years, has also endorsed Sherman in television ads.

The district has roughly 55,800 registered voters. Nonaffiliated voters outnumber both registered Democrats and Republicans in the area. While there are about 2,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, that margin has not determined the outcome of recent elections. Republicans won the seat in 2020 after Democrats held it for 16 years. Both candidates are buying ads in the Portland market to reach these unaffiliated voters who could decide the race.