Janelle Bynum (D) and Jamie McLeod-Skinner (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District on May 21, 2024.
McLeod-Skinner won the Democratic primary in 2022, defeating then-incumbent Rep. Kurt Schrader (D). McLeod Skinner lost to Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R) in the general election 50.9%-48.8%.
Democratic strategist Hannah Love said while there were “really clear ideological differences” in the 2022 primary, Bynum and McLeod-Skinner are ideologically similar, causing their campaigns to focus on electability. Bynum and McCleod-Skinner each say they support lowering housing costs, expanding healthcare access, reducing healthcare costs, increasing infrastructure spending, and addressing climate change.
Bynum says her 2016 and 2018 victories over Chavez-DeRemer for the 51st District in the Oregon House of Representatives make her the best candidate in the general election. Bynum said, “I have a track record of serving a very purple district just like CD-5. I have beaten the incumbent freshman lawmaker twice, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer has shown a willingness to rubberstamp the craziness that’s happening in Washington, and Oregonians have said enough.”
McLeod-Skinner says her experience with issues affecting both urban and rural communities makes her the strongest general election candidate. She said, “My experience fits the needs of the district. My career in housing, natural resources, education, emergency response, and building healthy communities – I’ve got a strong base because of that work. I’m the best positioned Democrat to win the seat and help flip the seat next year.”
McLeod-Skinner criticized Bynum for receiving an endorsement from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) after the DCCC listed Bynum on its Red to Blue program – a list of candidates it helps run against Republican incumbents. McLeod-Skinner called the primary endorsement “wrong and undemocratic.” The DCCC endorsed Schrader during the 2022 primary.
Bynum thanked the DCCC for its endorsement. She said, “I am honored to receive this united support from Democrats throughout our state and across the country – because they understand that Oregonians deserve a representative who will stand up for us, protect reproductive rights, strengthen our local economy and finally deliver results for our families in Congress.”
As of Dec. 31, 2023, Bynum had $233,246 cash on hand, and McCleod-Skinner had $242,301 cash on hand.
According to independent election analysts, Oregon’s 5th Congressional District is a toss-up, meaning neither party has an advantage in the general election.