Shake up in Salem Senate race leads to speculation among Democrats

Democratic nominee Eric Swenson announced Friday he won’t run for an Oregon Senate seat after all. That could give new political life to state Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon.

State Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon came up short last month in a bid for Congress.

Now a shakeup in the race for a Salem-area state Senate district could give her a rare second chance to stay in public office despite the defeat.

Woodburn Mayor Eric Swenson, whom Democratic voters tapped as their nominee for Senate District 11 in May, announced Friday he’s decided not to run after all. Swenson said he’ll instead attempt to win another two-year term as mayor, and is encouraging Alonso Leon to pursue the Senate seat instead.

Source: Shake up in Salem Senate race leads to speculation among Democrats – OPB