Oregon House District 32: Javadi defends party switch in costly race

Oregon state politics usually favors partisan loyalty, but House District 32 presents a different scenario this cycle. Cyrus Javadi is seeking a third term in the Oregon House, but he is running as a Democrat after winning his coastal seat twice as a Republican.

Javadi, 49, changed his party registration last year after providing the deciding vote to pass Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation tax package. That legislation included a 6-cent gas tax increase that many voters disliked. He stated that new revenue was necessary to repair the district's roads, which face constant damage from wind and rain.

The district, which stretches from Astoria to Neskowin, has roughly 55,800 voters. While Democrats hold a registered majority of about 2,000, nonaffiliated voters outnumber both major parties. This demographic group could determine the outcome, prompting Javadi to canvass neighborhoods along the coast frequently.

His main opponent is Max Sherman, a 69-year-old farmer and retired high school teacher from Hebo. Sherman campaigns on cutting regulation and opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He also criticizes Javadi for changing positions. "A lot of people here have lost trust in him," Sherman said.

Local party officials have reacted to the switch with mixed feelings. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, described Javadi as an opportunist. She noted that Javadi previously opposed taxes and abortion but now holds an endorsement from Planned Parenthood. Reactions among local Republicans range from anger to relief. Former legislator Betsy Johnson has also joined the race to endorse Sherman in television advertisements.

Both campaigns have raised more than $1 million, potentially making this the state's most expensive House race this year. That funding allows them to purchase ads in the Portland market. Sherman called the contest a "total toss-up" that "could be a nail-biter."

Javadi frames his political evolution as a strength rather than a weakness. He grew up in a conservative Mormon family in Utah and said he found Republican arguments less convincing over time. Last year, he supported a bill making it harder for school districts to ban books, citing his gay son. He was also the only Republican to back Kotek's $4.3 billion transportation tax plan.

Voters rejected that tax package in May. Javadi acknowledges the loss but maintains that the state needs more road funding without the specific gas tax increase. He says the topic rarely comes up when he meets with voters, even if he speaks to as many as 40 people in a single day. He plans to continue door-to-door campaigning until Election Day.