Full Breakdown
Charlie Conrad's Independent Bid for Oregon House District 12
1/20/2026, 12:12:32 AM
Background on Charlie Conrad's Political Journey
Charlie Conrad, a former Republican lawmaker from Dexter, Oregon, is running for the Oregon House District 12 seat as a candidate for the Independent Party of Oregon. He previously served one term from 2023 to 2025 but lost his reelection primary in 2024 to current Republican Representative Darin Harbick. Conrad's defeat was largely attributed to his support for abortion rights and gender-affirming care, which alienated him from the Republican base, particularly after being targeted by Oregon Right to Life, an influential anti-abortion group.
The Shift to Independent
Conrad announced his candidacy on January 12, 2026, after being nominated by the Independent Party at its convention. He aims to address issues such as wildfire policy, education, and homelessness, stating, "Oregon is not working for the people who call this state home." His platform emphasizes traditional Republican values, including effective tax use and rights protection, which he believes align more closely with the Independent Party's stance.
Voter Demographics and Political Landscape
Oregon's House District 12, which encompasses rural communities including Creswell, Cottage Grove, and Lowell, has a diverse voter base. Of the district's over 56,000 voters, more than 3,000 identify as Independents, nearly 20,000 are nonaffiliated, over 17,000 are Republicans, and about 15,000 are Democrats. This demographic landscape presents an opportunity for Conrad, who believes many constituents are seeking representation that transcends party lines.
Criticism and Opposition
Conrad's previous support for abortion rights and gender-affirming care has drawn criticism from conservative factions within the Republican Party. Harbick, who won the 2024 general election with nearly 58% of the vote, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for traditional Republican values, emphasizing public safety and pro-business policies. His endorsement from Oregon Right to Life further solidifies his standing among conservative voters.
Official Statements & Responses
Conrad expressed his commitment to addressing pressing issues in Oregon, stating, "There are a lot of folks that are just looking for that representation of them. They don’t want somebody who’s going to represent the party." Meanwhile, Harbick has reiterated his focus on community needs, saying, "I care about protecting our rural way of life across the entire district."
What's Next for Conrad
As the November general election approaches, Conrad aims to leverage the Independent Party's platform to attract voters disillusioned with partisan politics. His candidacy marks a significant moment in Oregon's political landscape, as no Independent has ever been elected to the state legislature. Conrad's campaign will test the viability of third-party candidates in a predominantly two-party system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oregon is not working for the people who call this state home,” — Charlie Conrad, Former Republican Lawmaker
- “There are a lot of folks that are just looking for that representation of them,” — Charlie Conrad, on voter sentiment
- “I care about protecting our rural way of life across the entire district, and I’m determined to keep listening, showing up, and speaking up for our communities in Salem.” — Darin Harbick, Current Republican Representative
