Bynum launches first TV ad in Oregon 5th Congressional race

Over the past four years, voters from Bend to Clackamas County have been inundated with TV ads and piles of campaign mail reflecting that they lived in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country.

This year, as Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum eyes reelection in a much friendlier environment for Democrats, things are a bit quieter. Bynum, a former state legislator elected in 2024, launched her first TV ad on Friday.

The 30-second spot positions Bynum against the Washington, D.C., establishment, featuring her ripping up a piece of paper meant to represent the Trump administration’s plans, as well as footage of Bynum talking with schoolchildren and workers in her district. 

“Right now, Washington’s big plan only helps billionaires and funds endless wars,” Bynum says in the ad. “We know the system is rigged. It’s time to rip it up and raise some hell.”

Bynum narrowly won in 2024, ousting one-term Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer with 48% of the vote. But political analysts predict a much easier road to reelection, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report classifying her district as a solid Democratic seat in June. 

Bynum had raised nearly $3.8 million for her campaign by the end of the last reporting period in June, compared to less than $500,000 raised by her Republican opponent, Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair. As of June 30, Bynum had $2.7 million available to spend, while Adair had $135,000. 

So far in office, Bynum has held more than two dozen town halls that hosted more than 100,000 Oregonians combined, according to her campaign. Chavez-DeRemer did not host in-person town hall meetings, a departure from how most Oregon members of Congress operate in their districts. 

Three bills she introduced this year became law as part of Congress’ 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan effort to increase housing supply. 

Bynum and Adair are scheduled to debate Oct. 14 on Bend-based station KTVZ. Election officials will begin mailing ballots to voters that same day, and all ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.