For the first time in recent memory, Oregon House District 38, our local House district, has a competitive primary. This means that there is a challenger to the incumbent, Daniel Nguyen, a moderate Democrat. The challenger to the incumbent is John Wasielewski, or John Waz, who is a progressive teacher from Lake Oswego Middle School. Both are running as the democrat ticket, so it’s considered a “primary” in which only members of the Democratic party, which you choose at voter registration, can participate in. This is because Oregon is a “closed primary” state. Additionally, historic voting data and data trends suggest, or more so tell us, that whoever wins the Democratic primary will be the next House District representative.

So what does each of the candidates stand for? Well, Nguyen, being a moderate business Democrat, seems to fall more in line with business, stating, “I am focused on energizing Oregon’s economy so that businesses want to start and grow here…” on his campaign website. This is also backed up by his chairing the House Economic Development Committee. Additionally, Nguyen’s voting record tends to back up this pro-business ethos and is not nearly as progressive in certain areas of government as other Tri-County area politicians.

John Waz, the challenger to the incumbent, is a progressive candidate who’s running on a pro-education platform and pro-working class. This is reflected in Waz’s statement, stating, “You know, when it comes to education I’m in favor of my number one priority is making sure kids have the resources they need.” Waz, like many progressive Democrats, has a large list of social programs and legislation he wants to implement in Oregon, and when asked how he would work to fund schools and these programs, he explained“The legislature had the opportunity to have a full disconnect from the tax code, you know, a full disconnect would have been 900 million.” The State Legislature elected for a partial disconnect. Waz also discussed the idea of cutting the tax breaks that the large multinational corporations that call Oregon home receive. Waz also prioritizes affordability by controlling rent and bringing down utility prices.

The primary is full of unique candidates and ideas, one being pro-moderate, and the other being left-wing progressive. Nguyen believes that promoting business and growth is the key to success, whereas Waz believes that funding education and creating social safety nets is the correct step to take. 

So now on to my opinion: I feel like I’ve given both candidates a pretty objective shakedown, explaining both of their respective policies. To be honest, I like Waz’s policy platform better for the simple fact I align with progressive policies and have found Waz to be more politically interesting this cycle. Additionally, Waz has been a more available candidate for an interview, but of course, that’s just my experience. 

Overall, I think it’s just critical that people get involved in local politics; for the first time in over a decade, we have a local competitive primary and for anyone interested in politics, this is the most entry-level political campaign you can be involved in. You can ring up either candidate and volunteer, and I guarantee that you will meet the candidate you are volunteering for. Additionally, this race isn’t as “heated” per-say, no one’s running attack adds or makes fun of one another.

I’ve always advocated for people being engaged and politically literate, and most people don’t even know this race is happening or the weird way Oregon does closed primaries. So if you take one thing away from this winding column it’s to engage in politics and this is a great to do so.