Drazan seeks to fill suddenly-open Oregon senate seat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon House Republican leader Christine Drazan has thrown her hat into the ring to be appointed to a suddenly-open state senate seat.

Drazan, who represents Canby among her District 51 constituents, wants to be appointed to fill the seat currently held by Senate Republican leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles. Bonham announced Monday he’s resigning in October.

In a statement, Drazan called Bonham “a fearless leader and invaluable partner” and said it was a “privilege to serve our shared constituents. I welcome the opportunity to complete his term and uphold his high standards of public service in the State Senate.”

Bonham endorsed Drazan in a statement.

“Representative Drazan will serve the remainder of my term with the same integrity and dedication she has always shown,” Bonham said.

Bonham, who became a state senator in 2023, will resign on October 5. His term was supposed to go through January 11, 2027. Previously, he served in the Oregon House of Representatives.

“Serving in the Oregon Senate has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “I never set out to be a politician—I just wanted to serve my community, and I’ll always be grateful for the trust they placed in me. I’m excited about my future, but I’ll miss the day-to-day work alongside my colleagues in Salem.”

Senate Republicans already elected his successor, Sen. Bruce Starr of Dundee.

“Senator Starr has my complete confidence stepping in as our new Leader. Bruce is steady, experienced, and committed to fighting for Oregonians,” Bonham said.