Historic gains for the Oregon House Democrats.

Kari Chisholm

It was a night for historic gains in the Oregon House. While presidential years usually see gains for Democrats, we've never seen big wins like we did last night - especially on top of the historic four-seat pickup in 2006.

In 2006, before the election, I noted the historic trend. We lost seats in 1984, picked up one seat in 1988, stayed even in 1992, and picked up two each in 1996, 2000, and 2004. (And we hadn't picked up ANY seats in a mid-term election since 1974 - and in 2006, we picked up four.)

There's still a few too-close-to-call races, but right now, it looks like Democrats will win at least six seats, including defeating three incumbent Republicans. So, we're at 37 Democrats, 20 Republicans, and three too close to call. Update, 2:30 p.m. The Oregonian has now called it for Matt Wingard (R) in HD 26. 37 Ds, 21 Rs, waiting on 2. Update, 11:30 p.m. Rep. Scott Bruun (R) in HD 37 and Rep. Sal Esquivel (R) in HD 6 have been narrowly re-elected. 37 Ds, 23 Rs.

The following details are from the Oregonian, though it looks like they may be done reporting - so I'll get my next round of updates from the counties directly.

Democratic Pickup Wins

In HD 50, Greg Matthews (D) defeated Rep. John Lim (R) by a margin of 55% to 45%.

In HD 51, Brent Barton (D) defeated Rep. Linda Flores (R) by a margin of 55% to 45%.

In HD 54, Judy Stiegler (D) defeated Rep. Chuck Burley (R) by a margin of 57% to 43%.

In HD 39, Toby Forsberg (D) defeated Bill Kennemer (R) 52-47% to capture the seat held by former GOP majority leader Rep. Wayne Scott.

In HD 49, Nick Kahl (D) defeated John Nelsen (R) 57-43% to capture the seat held by former GOP House Speaker Rep. Karen Minnis.

In HD 52, Suzanne VanOrman (D) defeated Matt Lindland (R) by a margin of 56% to 44% to capture the seat held by Rep. Patti Smith (R).

Too close to call

None.

Losses

In HD 17, Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R) easily beat Dan Thackaberry (D) by 59% to 41%.

In HD 18, Rep. Vic Gilliam (R) pulled out a win over Jim Gilbert (D) by 54% to 46%.

In HD 20, Rep. Vicki Berger (R) defeated Richard Riggs (D) by 55% to 45%.

In HD 24, Jim Weidner (R) defeated Al Hansen (D) by 54% to 46%.

In HD 26, Matt Wingard (R) seems to have a big 1091-vote lead (50% to 45%) over Jessica Adamson (D). Libertarian Marc Delphine has 1200 votes (5%). Update, 2:30 p.m. The Oregonian has now called this one for Wingard, with a 1099-vote lead.

In HD 6, Rep. Sal Esquivel (R) is hanging on to a slim 558-vote lead (51% to 49%) over Lynn Howe (D). Update, 2:30 p.m. Esquivel now has a 732-vote lead. Update, 11:30 p.m. Now that Jackson County is definitely done, this race is over (though the Oregonian has not called it.)

In HD 37, Rep. Scott Bruun (R) is holding on to a 657-vote lead (51% to 48%) lead over Michele Eberle (D). Update, 2:30 p.m. Bruun now has a 762-vote lead. Update, 11:30 p.m. Looks like Clackamas and Washington are done counting, so this race is over (though the Oregonian has not called it.)

By Kari Chisholm Nov. 05, 2008