Oregon GOP Rep. Cyrus Javadi Switches to Democrats After Voting Against Party Lines

Oregon state Rep. Cyrus Javadi officially left the Republican Party this week, making his growing alignment with Democrats official ahead of next year’s election. The former Tillamook Republican had already voted with Democrats on multiple hot-button issues, including supporting Black drag performers, protecting student access to controversial books, and renewing a tax on healthcare providers to secure federal Medicaid funding.

Javadi’s decisive break came when he was the only Republican to vote for Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation tax and fee package, a vote that saved hundreds of jobs across the state but sparked a recall effort against him. “I think my job’s worth the handful of jobs [the bill is] going to save in Astoria…or the hundreds more it’s going to save across the state,” Javadi said on the chamber floor.

The North Coast district he represents has a Democratic registration advantage and plenty of nonaffiliated voters, making a switch strategically sensible. Javadi has already begun working with FuturePAC, the House Democrats’ campaign arm, ensuring support for his reelection bid.

Despite his new party alignment, Javadi still holds some positions at odds with mainstream Democrats, such as sponsoring legislation to limit abortion access. Meanwhile, House Republicans say his departure strengthens their mission, giving constituents a chance to back a new leader who aligns more closely with GOP values.

Javadi’s switch highlights the growing tension for lawmakers who find their policy priorities increasingly at odds with their party’s direction, especially in a politically divided state like Oregon.