Doherty throws his hat in the ring
By Terry Murry on Friday, March 31st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MORROW COUNTY – Former Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty has announced he intends to file for the Oregon Senate seat being vacated with the retirement of Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena).
“The opportunity to continue the leadership of Senator Hansell is a daunting yet compelling opportunity,” he wrote in making the announcement. “As past president of the Association of Oregon Counties, I recognize that all counties face similar challenges, albeit in different measure.”
Doherty’s announcement came at almost the same time Wallowa County Commissioner Todd Nash announced he was seeking the Republican nomination for the 29th Senatorial District as well.
They will face each other in the May 2024 primary. Hansell said he was announcing his retirement early so that people would have the time to test the waters, file for office, and mount campaigns.
“We must ensure that the challenges and opportunities unique to Eastern Oregon are both addressed and realized,” Doherty stated. “As always, we must first and foremost give every constituent of the district the opportunity for a healthy and meaningful life.”
Thanking the people who urged him to run, Doherty said “I will do my level best.”
