Former Democratic Lawmaker Chris Beck to Challenge Republican Cliff Bentz in Oregon's 2nd Congressional District
Chris Beck, a former Democratic state lawmaker, has emerged as the Democratic candidate to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz in Oregon's 2nd Congressional District. Beck secured 34% of the votes in the Democratic primary, defeating five other candidates. Bentz, who has represented the district since 2021, won the Republican primary with nearly 80% of the vote. The district, which spans over 70,000 square miles and includes 20 of Oregon's 36 counties, has been a Republican stronghold since 1981. Beck, who has a background in rural land use and conservation, aims to focus on issues such as rural healthcare access, land use planning, and wealth inequities if elected. 
