FILE - Rep. Courtney Neron, D-Wilsonville, Feb. 5, 2024, at the Capitol in Salem, Ore. Neron is seeking to replace the late Sen. Aaron Woods.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
With less than a week until Democratic Party officials meet to nominate a replacement for state Sen. Aaron Woods, the race is beginning to take shape.
As of Monday morning, the Democratic Party of Oregon listed three people vying to replace Woods, a Wilsonville lawmaker who died of cancer earlier this month. Among them is state Rep. Courtney Neron, a four-term House member from Wilsonville whose district overlaps with a portion of the vacant Senate District 13.
“Over the past week, I’ve had many conversations reflecting on Senator Woods’ life of service and the values he carried into every space he entered,” Neron said in a statement Monday morning. “I had the privilege of working alongside him in the Legislature, where I witnessed his steady leadership, thoughtful approach, and commitment to equity and good governance. Senator Woods led with heart and humility, and I am committed to carrying forward his legacy of care and service to our constituents in Senate District 13.”
It’s common for members of the House to win appointment to open Senate seats, and Neron’s wealth of experience in the Capitol will make her a top candidate to move to the upper chamber. A former high school teacher, Neron chairs the House Education Committee, and has made schools a primary focus of her legislative career.
Also vying for the role are Dave Backen, a Wilsonville energy consultant, and Andrew Stiffler, an event planner who lives in Tigard.
Interested candidates have until noon Friday to submit their names for consideration, and party officials will meet Sunday to nominate between three and five people to serve the remainder of Woods’ term. The ultimate decision is up to commissioners in Clackamas, Washington and Yamhill counties, which all include portions of Senate District 13.
Should Neron ultimately win the appointment, it would spur a separate appointment process to fill her seat in the House. Legislative Democrats will be keen to ensure they have their full membership in both chambers this year. The party holds a three-fifths supermajority in both chambers, meaning it could theoretically pass a major tax package to fund roads and bridges on a party-line vote. But if they lose even one member in the House or Senate, that advantage disappears.
