Austin Daniel

Austin Daniel (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the Oregon House of Representatives to represent District 46. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Daniel completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Austin Daniel was born in Salem, Oregon. He earned a high school diploma from South Salem High School. He graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2022. His career experience includes working in healthcare as a new doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine and running an intuitive medical massage practice.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Willy Chotzen defeated John Mark Alexander, Kevin Levy, and Austin Daniel in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 46 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Willy Chotzen (D / Working Families Party)	79.1	25,542
	Submit photo	John Mark Alexander (R)	13.7	4,414
		Kevin Levy (Independent)	3.9	1,252
		Austin Daniel (L)	3.2	1,040
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	58

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 32,306
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Willy Chotzen (R)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Willy Chotzen defeated Mary Lou Hennrich in the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46 on May 21, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Willy Chotzen	72.7	7,895
	Mary Lou Hennrich	27.1	2,947
	Other/Write-in votes	0.2	24

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,866
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Willy Chotzen advanced from the Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46 on May 21, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Willy Chotzen (Write-in)	13.9	11
	Other/Write-in votes	86.1	68

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 79
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Daniel in this election.

Pledges

Daniel signed the following pledges.

U.S. Term Limits

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Austin Daniel completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Daniel's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As an Oregonian, Portlander, doctor of Chinese medicine, deeply spiritual healer and outspoken, liberal, gay person of color, I am willing to admit my democratic party has made honest mistakes with otherwise well-intended policies that fell short or went too far yielding unintended consequences. I've since regained a moderate political stance representing most democrats who feel bait and switched and need my advocacy to repeal or amend policies that debunked themselves. While other candidates believe the current chaos is simply a reflection of the times and that these failed policies simply need more time, I politely disagree.

I'm running as a non-partisan to guarantee a sound choice for the general election. I can collaborate with highly influential connections in local politics to implement successful strategies that have already worked elsewhere to solve these same issues in Portland and the rest of Oregon. The intel I receive from expert insiders gives me a comprehensive understanding of the nuances overlooked by most candidates, keeping me informed enough to create tenable solutions for our most pressing issues.

I have already been quite successful on social media at healing the political divide from the propaganda illusion between the far right and far left and will use this approach to shift Portland’s ethos back to the peaceful moderates we once were, only better. Oregon just needs to stop over-correcting and start collaborating and unifying. Let's Heal Oregon!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

SOLVING THE GAMUT OF RAMPANT MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTION, CRIME & HOMELESSNESS starting with amending the 1971 ORS Certificate of Need that has blocked the OHA’s ability to approve the implementation & operation of new drug treatment, detox center & mental health facilities, leading Oregon to be dead last in access to treatment in all 50 states. Voters were unaware of this when M110 promised to provide treatment to addicts, making this one of the biggest factors in unchecked addiction, fentanyl overdose, mental crises, homelessness & crime. With my ideas, our promising new DA Nathan Vasquez, offering reasonable bail, appropriate police funding & M110’s amendment via HB4002, we will soon find improvements with these most pressing issues.
RESTORING AFFORDABILITY TO LIVE AND RUN A BUSINESS. Portland is the 2nd highest taxed city in the US, and yet our tax dollars are clearly misappropriated evidenced by the poor state of our city and services. Small business owners and homeowners are overtaxed sharing the burden with consumers and renters. Wages aren’t proportionate to rising inflation. Lack of snow infrastructure keeps businesses and employees from income during inclement weather. Utility bills, houses and school tuition are too expensive. Road tolls are imminent. None of this has to be this way. Legislation can put a cap on pricing, stop tolls, lower taxes, raise wages, maximize taxpayer funds, source locally and support infrastructural needs to restore a thriving economy.
IMPROVING HEALTH & FOOD SECURITY. I will pass legislation that: removes the toxins from locally produced food; requires warning labels for toxic foods & products; supports organic regenerative farming; removes government farming regulations to restore farmers’ ability to affordably grow food; supplements food deserts with community gardens, farmers markets & bargain health food stores; requires health insurance, HSA, FSA & HRA to cover alternative care including naturopathic, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage & even nutrition, gym memberships & personal training; supports psilocybin, ayahuasca & MDMA therapy for mental health & drug addiction; & provides schools with healthy food & curriculum in all aforementioned topics.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As the only gay person of color in my race, I can confidently speak to the over-corrections made by extreme political ideologies in defense of historically marginalized people - key word historically. But presently, my BIPOC and LGBTQ community are neither oppressed nor lacking privilege in a liberal Portland city and blue state of Oregon. We have the spotlight. We're prioritized in education, hiring and social services; as many heteronormative white folks are excluded and woke policies increase drugs and crime. We can celebrate diversity and fight discrimination without unnecessarily dividing the people into classes of oppressors and oppressed. We don't need the unintended consequences of ideologically-driven policies anymore.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the unconventional thinkers who have extricated themselves from the consensus herd mentality of the group psyche like assassinated former president JFK, libertarian Dave Smith, anthropologist Graham Hancock, cultural linguist Terence McKenna, inventor Nicola Tesla, and spiritual ascended masters like the Buddha, Krishna and the Gnostic Essene known as the Christ. These individuals pave the way for true advancements in humanity with a fearlessness in sticking their necks out despite the fierce opposition of those committed to being wrong.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

1. Show: YouTube - Heresies (ep.13) Trans, Racist & Woke: How Psychology Went MAD - 44 min

2. Book: Mao's America - A Survivor's Warning, by Xi Van Fleet
3. Documentary: YouTube - The Great Awakening - 1 hour 41 min

These are just a few of many sources that will teach people about how globalization, Marxism and modern wokeness have infiltrated the most well-intended, influential and intelligent people into supporting ideologically driven-propaganda and policies that only lead to the gradual decay of the foundations of society and human decency. While all the seemingly disparate political phenomena, shifts in school curriculum, inclusivity, advances and centralization in technology, civil rights movements, cultural trends, political chaos, division, war, rises in crime, high inflation, climate alarmism and coup d'etat-like government overreach to name a few all appear to be a reflection of the times or grassroots efforts, they are all actually the result of openly disclosed globalist agendas from the cultural engineers of world government organizations in Geneva, Switzerland including the UN and the World Economic Forum under the guise of sustainable development goals known as C40, 30x30 and Agenda 2030. When these agendas are understood then these seemingly disparate phenomena are realized to simply be puzzle pieces to the bigger picture, and that is the globalist one world government system they refer to as The Great Reset.

It is a huge intrusion on the liberty of a responsible adult in an advanced society like today. And I am one of the only candidates discussing this uncomfortable but verifiably true reality, and pledge to stop all aspects of globalization from taking hold on a state and local level, as well as all other threats both foreign and domestic.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Discernment, awareness, intelligence, foresight, plasticity/flexibility/fluidity to change, accountability, integrity, maturity, connections, diplomacy, fairness, mediation, spirituality, compassion, love and acceptance

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm deeply spiritual. I've been the member of an ayahuasca church for 14 years; practiced shamanism for 16 years; practiced yoga, meditation and new age spirituality; studied cultural anthropology, world mythologies, world religions, asian belief systems and philosophies of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism; studied the mystery school religions; grew up catholic; currently sing professionally in a Presbyterian church; had numerous experiences with psilocybin; had a kundalini awakening at age 22 and identify as a Gnostic, which drops all the dogma while bridging eastern and western belief systems. Through my spiritual practice and education I am connected with the divine true self, and desire to seek oneness and raise the consciousness of all of society. Therefore, I cannot be bought and paid for by corrupt organizations. Money is of no personal importance to me. Running in office has nothing to do with my ego and everything to do with restoring the universal concept known as the mandate of heaven. In the dynastic cycle of ancient China an empire only thrives when the emperor holds the mandate of heaven (connection with the divine). When the emperor becomes greedy and hungry for power the mandate of heaven is lost and results in an empire's collapse. This collapse, which we are currently experiencing now in the US, becomes a learning tool that inspires a spiritual awakening in the people and those in office, and when the mandate of heaven is restored, so is a thriving society. Spiritual advisors to royalty and emperors are a historically pan-cultural occurrence for a thriving society just as indigenous tribal leaders always sought counsel from a shaman. US politicians, however, have lost this true connection to divinity. It is therefore my intention to assist the historically-recognized, collective, spiritual healing process that humanity undergoes within the cycle of every eon.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representing not just our district but the entire state of Oregon, including those who are quite different than myself, I must take into account the challenging task of listening to every side of an argument regardless of any preexisting bias I may have so that I can effectively weigh the pros and cons when introducing and passing legislation that will effect the entire state. Politics involves making difficult decisions that will undoubtedly help many people on one side while simultaneously angering or even harming people on the other side, but a smart politician can also implement safety nets when possible to prevent those unfortunate individuals from falling through the cracks.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Enchanted Forest, the fantasy land family theme park in Salem, Oregon for a whole summer after high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Supernatural: the Ancient Teachers of Mankind by Graham Hancock, as it bridges the gap between science and spirituality through a historical and multi-cultural account of altered states of consciousness and its place in the foundations of society.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Everything to an appropriate extent. On one end of the spectrum is a relationship of mistrust that keeps its distance, and on the opposite end is cronyism. Neither are appropriate. Somewhere in the middle is a neutral and yet amicable and collaborative relationship that involves sharing ideas, educating each other to be up to date on issues, and developing a comprehensive understanding and foresight regarding proposed legislation, as well as maintaining integrity and holding both sides accountable. Or as I like to say, friendly but also firm.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Currently, the state of Oregon is approximately 4 billion dollars in debt while also being taken over by an ethos of well-intended but highly deleterious ideologies of far left wokeness that reinforces a trajectory away from peaceful political moderation and centrism and instead toward the cliff of the political spectrum. As a former far left Democrat turned moderate I can help shift that ethos back to sanity. As far as the debt goes, I will solve the chaotic issues that cost tax payers the most, remove the grifters who profit off that funding, and ensure the proper use of tax spending to alleviate our debt.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily - while it may help in knowing how to follow policies and procedures, prior experience quite apparently did not prevent our current legislators from implementing hollow policies that debunked themselves putting our citizens in harms way.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely - as everyone has different backgrounds, experiences, ideas and understandings of politics and the needs of the people, relationships make room for sharing ideas and collaboration on policies that might not be as comprehensive and strategic without the shared feedback of peers.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I used to support wholeheartedly defunding police, harm reduction, zero bail and drug decriminalization only to find that they have backfired and increased the problems we were trying to solve. For example, I was told a story by a neighbor how the Portland Garment Factory was burned down by an arsonist who is a homeless addict with severe mental health issues. When she was arrested she was simply booked long enough to set her trial then immediately released without bail. But she had no incentive to return to her trial, so, she was given a failure to appear, had a warrant for her arrest and is now in a perpetual cycle of getting arrested, setting a trial, released, not showing and getting arrested again and again. She is currently on her 9th or 10th arrest warrant as she still wanders the Montavilla neighborhood lighting property on fire and threatening to shoot neighbors with a pellet gun. She has sadly not received any disciplinary action or much needed mental health, drug addiction or homeless services to protect her and the public. Perhaps in a perfect world with proper infrastructure in place then these lax policies might be more effective, but putting the cart before the horse in not the correct order of operations.

Tell us your favorite joke.

The US Government, lol ;)

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

As long as emergency powers are used to provide aid and relief but don't otherwise interfere with the constitutional rights of individuals, then yes. To prevent the gradual procession toward an authoritarian dictatorship, governments should not use emergencies to remove the individual rights of the people.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I will amend the 1971 ORS of Certificate of Need to allow the OHA the ability to approve the implementation and operation of new drug rehab, detox and mental health facilities.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

These are an absolute must in order to maintain trust from the people.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Austin Daniel campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Oregon House of Representatives District 46	Lost general	$2,262	$2,742
Grand total			$2,262	$2,742
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 4, 2024

[show]

Current members of the Oregon House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Julie Fahey

Majority Leader:Ben Bowman

Minority Leader:Lucetta Elmer

Representatives

District 1

Court Boice (R)

District 2

Virgle Osborne (R)

District 3

Dwayne Yunker (R)

District 4

Alek Skarlatos (R)

District 5

Pam Marsh (D)

District 6

Kim Wallan (R)

District 7

John Lively (D)

District 8

Lisa Fragala (D)

District 9

Boomer Wright (R)

District 10

David Gomberg (D)

District 11

Jami Cate (R)

District 12

Darin Harbick (R)

District 13

Nancy Nathanson (D)

District 14

Julie Fahey (D)

District 15

Shelly Boshart Davis (R)

District 16

Sarah McDonald (D)

District 17

Ed Diehl (R)

District 18

Rick Lewis (R)

District 19

Tom Andersen (D)

District 20

Paul Evans (D)

District 21

Kevin Mannix (R)

District 22

Lesly Muñoz (D)

District 23

Anna Scharf (R)

District 24

Lucetta Elmer (R)

District 25

Ben Bowman (D)

District 26

Sue Rieke Smith (D)

District 27

Ken Helm (D)

District 28

Dacia Grayber (D)

District 29

Susan McLain (D)

District 30

Nathan Sosa (D)

District 31

Darcey Edwards (R)

District 32

Cyrus Javadi (D)

District 33

Shannon Isadore (D)

District 34

Mari Watanabe (D)

District 35

Farrah Chaichi (D)

District 36

Hai Pham (D)

District 37

Jules Walters (D)

District 38

Daniel Nguyen (D)

District 39

April Dobson (D)

District 40

Annessa Hartman (D)

District 41

Mark Gamba (D)

District 42

Rob Nosse (D)

District 43

Tawna Sanchez (D)

District 44

Travis Nelson (D)

District 45

Thuy Tran (D)

District 46

Willy Chotzen (D)

District 47

Andrea Valderrama (D)

District 48

Vacant

District 49

Zach Hudson (D)

District 50

Ricki Ruiz (D)

District 51

Christine Drazan (R)

District 52

Jeffrey Helfrich (R)

District 53

Emerson Levy (D)

District 54

Jason Kropf (D)

District 55

E. Reschke (R)

District 56

Emily McIntire (R)

District 57

Greg Smith (R)

District 58

Bobby Levy (R)

District 59

Vikki Breese-Iverson (R)

District 60

Mark Owens (R)

Democratic Party (36)

Republican Party (23)

Vacancies (1)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 4, 2024

[1]

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Austin Daniel

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 46

Endorsements

Pledges

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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