2024 election results signal shifts in local politics

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n a significant election for Oregon House District 12 and Lane County governance, voters turned out to resolve races and measures that highlight the area’s evolving political landscape. From redistricting reform to charter amendments and recall efforts, Lane County residents faced choices reflecting regional and state concerns around transparency, governance, and community values. The state representative race and various ballot measures brought two distinct visions for the area’s future to light, especially in the Blue River community, where local voting targeted issues of trust and leadership.

The Oregon House District 12 race saw Republican Darin Harbick and Democrat Michelle Emmons competing head-to-head, each representing a different approach to issues important to rural areas and some suburban Eugene residents. Harbick’s win in the May primary over incumbent Charlie Conray set the stage for a race primarily fueled by his controversial vote in support of House Bill 2002 - which focused on expanded access to abortion and gender-affirming care. His vote led to Conrad’s censure by the Oregon Republican Party, and his being the only Republican supporting the bill. While some moderates appreciated his stance, many conservatives felt alienated.

Harbick, meanwhile, rallied voters with a platform centered on parental rights and opposition to HB 2002, which he argued undermines parental consent in medical decisions for minors. His primary campaign emphasized Oregon’s more conservative values, particularly family issues, small business support, and traditional land-use practices, attracting support and resources from conservative backers. This alignment helped him win over a Republican base that has increasingly shifted towards more conservative candidates.

“Harbick’s campaign resonated with people’s fears, but I concentrated on real issues and solutions,” Emmons said. “Unfortunately, that didn’t attract big money or enough voters.”

While Harbick’s 57.85% of the initial vote results reinforced District 12’s conservative-leaning, Emmons emphasized her focus on eco-friendly, community-centered policies, and expressed optimism that her vision “for balanced, proactive environmental strategies would continue to resonate in the district.”

Lane County ballot measures provided an opportunity to update the county’s charter, repealing outdated sections and attempting to modernize local governance. These measures allowed voters to weigh in on budget provisions, land use, and income tax restrictions, with outcomes that signaled voters caution in altering financial guidelines.

Measure 20-359, which aimed to repeal Section 32 and remove budget limitations on general fund expenditures, was ultimately rejected by voters. This decision keeps existing, albeit outdated, spending limits intact, reflecting a community preference for caution around budget changes.

Measure 20-360 successfully passed, repealing Section 33’s restrictions on East Alton Baker Park, a property no longer under Lane County’s ownership. This measure’s passing removes outdated language, helping streamline the charter.

Measure 20-361, which proposed repealing Section 34 and lifting the 2% income tax cap earmarked for public safety, was also rejected. This signaled that voters are cautious about removing financial safeguards even if the tax isn’t in place.

The most divisive measure, 20-362, proposed creating an Independent Citizens Redistricting Committee and a mid-cycle redistricting in 2025 to ensure impartiality. Proponents argued it would remove partisan bias from redistricting. However, opponents, including the League of Women Voters of Lane County, cited concerns over timing, cost, and the unusual nature of mid-cycle redistricting. Voters rejected the measure, preferring the established process and signaling hesitancy toward changing the county’s redistricting approach.

The recall of Tony Casad underscored ongoing concerns in Blue River. Casad, who served on the boards of both the Blue River Water and Sanitation District and the Blue River Park and Recreation District, faced allegations of harassment, trespassing, and restricted district access. Casad defended his actions as part of his official duties, yet petitioners, led by Shannon Goodpasture-Lehr, claimed his approach was divisive and self-serving. His recall ultimately passed, reflecting a desire among Blue River residents for change in community-oriented governance.

Meanwhile, another board member facing similar allegations, Josh Cloke, resigned in early October, preempting his recall.

Lane County’s November 5th election results reflect a county at a crossroads, grappling with questions of transparency, charter updates, and representation. While the House District 12 race reaffirmed conservative values in the district, Lane County’s ballot measure outcomes and local recalls highlight both a desire for stability and a cautious approach to change. As voters continue to weigh local and statewide issues, the results provide insight into Lane County’s shifting political currents.