Oregon Coast House Race Costs $2 Million as Lawmakers Duel Over Trust and Taxes

Cyrus Javadi is seeking a third term in Oregon House District 32, but he is running as a Democrat after winning two previous elections as a Republican. His challenger, Max Sherman, is a 69-year-old farmer and retired teacher from Hebo who is running as a Republican. Both candidates have raised more than $1 million, making this potentially the most expensive state House race of the year.

Javadi, 49, changed his party registration last year after casting the deciding vote to pass Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation tax package. That package included a 6-cent gas tax increase that many residents opposed. He argued that new revenue was necessary to repair the wind- and rain-damaged roads in his district, which stretches from Astoria to Neskowin.

Sherman campaigns on an anti-tax platform while acknowledging that the state Department of Transportation needs funding. He criticizes Javadi for shifting positions and argues that he understands the North Coast economy through his work in agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Sherman described the race as a total toss-up that could be a nail-biter.

The district has roughly 55,800 registered voters. Although there are about 2,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, nonaffiliated voters outnumber both parties. Javadi has been canvassing neighborhoods to appeal to this independent bloc. Sherman has emphasized that many local voters have lost trust in Javadi following the party switch.

Local Republican leaders have reacted sharply to Javadi’s change. Lisa Lamping, chair of the Clatsop County Republicans, called him an opportunist. She noted that Javadi previously opposed taxes and abortion but is now endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Betsy Johnson, a former Democratic legislator who represented the area for two decades, also endorsed Sherman in television advertisements.

Javadi frames his political evolution as a strength. He said he was raised in a conservative Mormon family in Utah and grew tired of Republican arguments. He cited his support for a Democratic bill regarding book bans in schools and a measure to raise federal Medicaid funding through taxes on healthcare providers. He was the only Republican to support the governor’s $4.3 billion transportation plan.

Voters rejected that tax package by a landslide in May. Javadi maintains that the state needs more money for infrastructure but believes voters want repairs without the specific gas tax. His campaign promotes the message that he stands by his values. He writes lengthy Substack posts explaining his positions and uses artificial intelligence primarily as an editor and organizer.

The candidates have used their fundraising to purchase ads in the Portland market that reaches the district. Javadi plans to continue door-to-door canvassing until Election Day. Some Democrats, including a self-described big-time liberal from Tillamook, have welcomed his switch to their party. The race will be a test of whether Javadi can retain his seat after changing parties.