November 1, 2023 10:00 a.m. (updated Nov. 2 3:50 a.m.)

State Representative Christine Goodwin has announced her decision to run for the Republican nomination for Oregon State Senate in District 2. That district includes southern Douglas, Josephine and northern Jackson counties.

Goodwin said, “I am running for Senate to continue my fight to protect Southern Oregon values. Serving others has always been a passion for me, but my time in Salem has taught me just how crucial it is that we have experienced, conservative leaders fighting back against the radical agenda of Portland Democrats that has been ruining our great state for over a decade”. Goodwin said, “Doing so is the only way we can meet the needs of our communities and ensure our voice gets heard in our State Capitol”.

A campaign release said Goodwin has a lengthy history of public service outside of being a current state representative. That has included as a school board chairman, urban renewal board member, parks advisory board member, Douglas County Planning Commission member, and later as a Douglas County Commissioner. Goodwin served as a state representative in House District 2 before being elected to House District 4 in 2022, after redistricting.

The release said Goodwin is a former school teacher, owner of multiple businesses and was named Woman of the Year by the Myrtle Creek/Tri City Chamber of Commerce.

Art Robinson currently holds the District 2 seat. His office says Robinson filed for re-election on the first day of the filing period. The Secretary of State’s office has ruled that he is ineligible due to being part of group of senators with 10 or more unexcused absences during the 2023 legislative session. The matter is pending before the courts. Art Robinson’s son, Noah Robinson, has also filed for the GOP nomination for the seat in the event the courts rule against the GOP senators.

The primary election will be held on May 21st, 2024.