(Oregon Right to Life) — Pro-life lawmakers have been selected for leadership roles in Oregon’s Republican legislative minority following the November 5 General Election.
Republicans celebrated major victories nationwide this election, though the “red wave” did not extend into the deep blue states like Oregon where pro-abortion Democrats continue to hold power. Nevertheless, pro-life candidates backed by Oregon Right to Life PAC were able to secure wins in races where ORTL PAC employed strategic door-to-door canvassing efforts.
Now, lawmakers have chosen the individuals who will take on leadership positions in the Republican legislative minority, where they will serve to push back against the Democratic majority’s radical agenda and promote pro-life and pro-family values.
Republican Senate Minority Leader:
Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), a Christian husband, father of two, and small business owner, will serve as Oregon’s Senate Minority Leader.
Bonham has served in both the House and Senate. He has sponsored bills protecting unborn babies and abortion victims, and advocated for better protection and opportunities for children in foster care and abusive homes and those with developmental disabilities.
Bonham joined pro-life Republican colleagues in the 2023 pro-life walkout to oppose radical pro-abortion legislation that would’ve enshrined abortion into Oregon’s constitution (SJR 33) and allowed minors under 15 to get an abortion without their parents’ knowledge (HB 2002).
The youngest of six and a native Oregonian who graduated from Linfield College, Bonham earned the endorsement of Oregon Right to Life PAC for his strong pro-life values and commitment to bold, pro-life advocacy once elected.
He will succeed ORTL PAC-endorsed Republican Sen. Tim Knopp (R-Bend). Both Knopp and Bonham were disqualified from running for re-election after Knopp led his caucus in the historic six-week walkout. Knopp’s term will end next year and Bonham’s will conclude in 2026.
Republican House Minority Leader:
Representative Christine Drazan (R-Canby), a wife and mother who ran against radical pro-abortion Democrat Tina Kotek for Oregon governor in 2022, will serve as Oregon’s House Minority Leader.
An experienced and bold leader with a background in communications, Drazan earned the endorsement of Oregon Right to Life PAC for her leadership and commitment to pro-life values and has ORTL PAC’s full support.
In her Gubernatorial run, Drazan ran as the only pro-life candidate. She narrowly lost after running a strong campaign in the no-mans-land of the first post-Dobbs election.
During her time in the legislature, Drazan introduced and supported bills that would protect babies born alive after an attempted abortion (HB 3423, 2019; SB 1523, 2020).
She has a history of legislative support for the safety and support of women and children.
Additional Legislative Leadership:
In addition to the top leadership positions, lawmakers who have earned the backing of Oregon Right to Life PAC have also been selected to carry out important legislative duties.
These legislators are strong pro-life individuals who are well equipped and will be a consistent voice for the voiceless.
Senate Republican Deputy Leaders:
Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City)
Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford)
Sen. Cedric Hayden (R-Fall Creek)
Senate Republican Whip:
Sen. Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook)
House Republican Deputy Leader:
Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville)
House Republican Whip:
Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg)
Oregon Right to Life PAC congratulates the Republican lawmakers trusted and elected by their caucus members to serve in these leadership positions.
We look forward to working alongside them in the 2025 session and beyond to advance the cause of Oregon’s most vulnerable.
Oregon Right to Life believes in the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Abortion ends the life of a genetically distinct, growing human being. We oppose abortion at any point of gestation. We also oppose all cases of euthanasia, whereby a person is deliberately killed through direct action or omission even if that act is by their permission. Read our full position statements here.
