Oregon Rep. Javadi Switches from Republican to Democrat Ahead 2026 Election

Oregon Rep. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook has officially switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat ahead of the 2026 election, citing his commitment to principles over party loyalty. Javadi, first elected as a Republican in 2022 and reelected in 2024, has frequently voted alongside Democrats on key issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, transportation funding, and opposing book bans, which has alienated some Republican constituents and led to a recall effort against him. He criticized the current Republican Party for abandoning values like freedom of speech, rule of law, and bipartisan governance, while emphasizing his dedication to serving his constituents and addressing community needs. Javadi’s decisive vote for a transportation funding package that included tax increases was pivotal and highlighted his break from party orthodoxy, making his reelection as a Republican unlikely. Despite holding some conservative views, such as support for gun rights and abortion restrictions, Javadi believes aligning with Democrats better reflects his principles and willingness to govern pragmatically. His party switch reflects a broader trend of political realignment when elected officials prioritize constituent interests and bipartisan solutions over strict party conformity.