‘The playbook is the same’: State lawmakers Bonham, Kropf offer reaction to election results, ’25 session outlook 

(Update: Adding video, comments by Daniel Bonham, Jason Kropf)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) - A Redmond Patriots meeting was held on Veterans Day with guest speaker Republican Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham. The topic: What the election means to Oregon.

The recent election results hold significant implications for Oregon, shaping the state’s direction on key issues like housing, health care, climate policy, and economic growth.

Bonham is somewhat doubtful that much will change in Oregon, with a Republican president in place for the next four years but Democrats holding onto their majority and statewide offices in the state.

“The playbook is the same, and I think it's going to be the same for the next three years," Bonham told the audience. "If you're a Republican running for office in Oregon, you want to ban abortion and you're a Trump lover, and that's all it takes to beat you here in Oregon. It may not even be true, but that doesn't matter. We don't let the truth get in the way in politics here in Oregon.”

State Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, who won another term unopposed, says despite the country selecting a Republican as president, most Oregonians choose a different path.

“In the congressional races, five Democrats were elected, once we went from a republican incumbent to Representative Janelle Bynum to be elected in that seat, and we maintain strong majorities in the state Legislature, actually picked up a seat in the state Senate here, with (Bend City) Councilor Anthony Broadman being elected to the state Senate. So, from that perspective, the voters chose primarily Democratic candidates to lead our state.”

You might recall that Bonham was among 10 GOP members who racked up 10 days of unexcused absences while boycotting the Legislature in 2023.

He was disqualified from reelection under voter-approved measure 113.

A group of Republican state senators challenged the law, but the Oregon Supreme Court ruled against them in February.

Those 10 senators including Bonham, are disqualified from running for a new term either this year or in 2026. 

Bonham said that in the post-2020 census redistricting, “They (Democrats) packed Republicans into a district and they spread Democrats out just enough to hold their majority. They did it intentionally.”

“And standing up for law and order, standing up for the rule of law, got me thrown out. That's where we live right now, and again, it's a scary spot to be," Bonham said. "I'm glad I'd done it. I think it was the right thing to do at the time I did it. I'm not sure that future members will choose that path.”

Bonham was elected last year and can remain in office until January 2027.

As for Kropf, he says his path for Oregonians is clear.

“In the upcoming Legislative session, is to continue to the progress that we've made on the housing crisis and the investments that we've made on housing and helping people who are unhoused find stability, get shelter, continue to make investments in our school system so that every kid has opportunity to have a quality education.”

As Oregonians take a stance on progressive policies, including measures to address homelessness, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy investments, those issues will be closely watched as the state navigates the next four years.