Christine Drazen appointed to fill Oregon Senate vacancy

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Commissioners from Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco counties have appointed Christine Drazen to the Oregon Senate.

Drazen will fill the vacancy left by State Senator Daniel Botham, who recently announced his retirement.

Oregon law requires a legislative vacancy to be filled by county commissioners representing the district where the vacancy exists. Commissioners from the counties covered by Senate District 26 held a joint session over Zoom to interview and select a replacement on Thursday afternoon.

The finalists were selected by the local Republican Party, as deemed by state law. The other nominees were John Grant and Representative Jeff Helfich.