WOODBURN, Ore. — Mental health clinician and longtime community leader Noemi Legaspi has launched her campaign for the Republican nomination in Oregon’s House District 22, setting the stage for what could become one of the state’s most competitive legislative races in 2026.
A District at the Center of Oregon Politics
House District 22 includes Woodburn, parts of northeast Salem, Gervais, and rural Marion County farmland. It is unique in Oregon politics for two reasons:
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Demographics: Nearly 48% of residents are Latino or from other minority backgrounds, making it the state’s only House district where minorities form a majority.
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Voter turnout: In 2022, District 22 recorded the lowest turnout statewide, with fewer than half of eligible voters casting ballots.
The district has been a political battleground in recent years, flipping between parties and often decided by razor-thin margins.
Legaspi’s Background
Legaspi, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, is both a working mother and practicing therapist. She operates Anabel’s House Children and Family Services, a bilingual counseling practice, and has worked as a custody evaluator, early-learning consultant, youth coach, adjunct instructor, and community liaison.
Her civic service includes nearly seven years on the Woodburn School Board and District Budget Committee, where she:
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Helped retain School Resource Officers through community dialogue.
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Oversaw the reinstatement of Woodburn High School’s College & Career Center.
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Negotiated a teachers’ contract that avoided layoffs.
“I’ve always measured success by how well I can help families overcome the challenges in their lives,” Legaspi said in her campaign announcement. “For too long, the problems facing Oregonians—rising costs, crime, homelessness, struggling schools—have gone unanswered by our politicians. I’m done waiting for them to do something about it.”
A Focused Platform
Legaspi’s campaign message blends her professional expertise with community priorities. Her platform highlights:
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Education: Strengthening early literacy, career readiness, and restoring local control in schools.
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Mental health: Expanding behavioral health access and addressing youth mental-health needs.
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Families and safety: Respecting parental rights, supporting foster-care reforms, and retaining school safety measures.
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Affordability: Increasing housing availability without raising taxes.
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Homelessness: Tying public funding to sobriety-focused programs rather than low-barrier approaches.
“I’ve watched politicians underfund schools and ignore the youth mental-health crisis,” she said. “I’m tired of politics getting in the way of people building better lives.”
Endorsements Roll In
Legaspi has already secured endorsements from prominent local figures.
Former Republican Representative Tracy Cramer, whom Democrat Lesly Muñoz narrowly unseated in 2024, praised her record:
“Noemi has been Woodburn’s leading advocate for improving public education, and that’s just a fraction of what she’s done for our kids and families. She always puts children first and does it without regard to personal or political cost.”
Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter added:
“Marion County deserves leaders who listen, lead with compassion, and produce common-sense results. Noemi’s commitment, knowledge, and experience have helped her deliver real and necessary change in our communities.”
A Potential Rematch on the Horizon
The Democratic incumbent, Representative Lesly Muñoz, took office in January 2025 after defeating Cramer by just 161 votes. That election wasn’t certified until three weeks after Election Day, underscoring how fiercely contested the district has become.
If Legaspi secures the GOP nomination, she is likely to face Muñoz in November 2026, setting up a high-profile contest between two women of color with strong ties to the district.
Why This Race Matters
District 22 is considered a bellwether for Oregon’s evolving political landscape. With its large Hispanic population, low voter turnout, and issues ranging from affordability to education, the district encapsulates many of the challenges facing the state.
Legaspi’s campaign leans on her personal story—immigrant roots, professional service, and local leadership—combined with a policy platform designed to appeal to working families. Meanwhile, Muñoz, a rising Democratic figure, has positioned herself as a defender of working-class priorities and a voice for underrepresented communities.
Looking Ahead
Candidate filing for the 2026 primary opens September 11, 2025, with deadlines running from March 3 to March 10, 2026. The Republican primary will take place on May 19, 2026.
With control of a swing seat at stake, District 22 is expected to draw significant attention—and investment—from both state parties.
For Legaspi, the campaign offers a chance to combine her years of public service with a message of reform: “I’m running because I believe in families, in education, and in a safer, stronger community. It’s time politicians put people first.”
