Janelle Bynum hits campaign trail in C.O. this weekend; Chavez-DeRemer says she’ll be back during House break

(Update: Adding video, comments from Bynum, statement from Chavez-Deremer)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) –  State Representative Janelle Bynum is campaigning in Central Oregon this weekend, as we're just over a month away from Election Day. Oregon's Fifth Congressional District candidate was joined by state Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum for her visit to the region.

Bynum is making stops in Bend and Redmond. On Saturday, she spoke with volunteers at the Deschutes County Democratic Party Campaign Office before they went knocking on doors.

Bynum was also attending a Bend literature-stuffing party and a house party-rally.

"Housing is what Oregon voters - Oregon, District 5 voters, especially here in this area, have told me is a key issue," Bynum said Saturday.

Other issues, she said, include "access to health care - reproductive health care, mental health, as well as just general health care and the cost of prescription drugs. And then the environment, specifically wildfire protection and response."

Earlier this month, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whom Bynum is seeking to unseat, made two campaign stops in Bend. During her visit the congresswoman met with community leaders and local businesses. 

At a Sept. 4 campaign stop in Bend, she said, "I think we're on the precipice of finding some good policy. We have to continue these conversations with business owners and employees, and what that looks like."

In a statement provided Saturday to NewsChannel 21, Chavez-DeRemer reflected on the vital issues in Central Oregon. 

"I enjoyed visiting Central Oregon on several occasions this summer, including earlier this month, to meet with wildland firefighters, hear veterans' concerns, learn about ongoing affordable housing projects, see how federal investments are paying off at the Bend Airport and much more."

 "I look forward to returning as soon as we get the government funded and have our next District Work Period," she added. "As the second-most bipartisan member of Congress, I promise to continue being a leading advocate on the issues that are most important to my constituents on both sides of the Cascades, and I will always be a strong independent voice for the entire 5th District."

You can read more about both candidates' background and their answers to our questions in our Decision 2024 Voters Guide.

And a reminder: the incumbent and challenger in this high-profile race will face off in a live one-hour Decision 2024 debate on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6-7 p.m.