Following a once-in-a-century brawl to elect a new speaker, U.S. Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Republican from Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Canby, was officially sworn in early Saturday morning.
The swearing-in was delayed by the longest contest for speaker of the House in 164 years. Representative Kevin McCarthy, R-California, finally secured the gavel after the 15th round of voting.
“It was long, it was arduous, but it was important for the conference,” Chavez-Deremer told The Oregonian. “It was no secret in my campaign that I was going to support the leader then, and now the speaker, to get the work done.”
She expressed her full support for McCarthy and was grateful the voting is over so the legislative body can get to work.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to find common ground so we can build a booming economy, improve public safety, support our rural communities, expand educational opportunities, and much more,” she said.
Chavez-DeRemer’s district, which was redrawn in 2022, now includes Linn County, most of Clackamas and Deschutes counties, and parts of Multnomah and Marion counties. Along with U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas, Democrat from Oregon’s 6th, she is the state’s first Hispanic Congressperson.
“I want to thank Oregonians in the 5th District for placing your trust in me to represent you in the halls of Congress,” she continued. “I’ll work tirelessly to ensure you have a seat at the policymaking tables in D.C., especially when decisions are being made that will impact your families, schools, businesses, and livelihoods.
A longtime resident of Happy Valley, Chavez-DeRemer has been involved in local public service for two decades. She first became a member of the Happy Valley Parks Committee in 2002 and went on to serve as city council president and then as mayor.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues — on both sides of the aisle — to find common ground so we can build a booming economy, improve public safety, support our rural communities, expand educational opportunities, and much more,” she said.
“Instead of tossing solutions to the side in the name of partisan politics, I’m confident that we can rise above the gridlock. I’ll work with anyone who’s interested in delivering results that benefit Oregonians and all Americans.”
She went on to thank her husband of 31 years, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, and their twin daughters, Annie and Emilie, for their “continuous support.”
“Guided by family and faith, it is my solemn promise to Oregonians that I will carry out my constitutional duties with authenticity, integrity, and transparency,” Chavez-DeRemer said.
The couple operates several medical clinics throughout the Pacific Northwest.