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Paul Holvey recall, Oregon House of Representatives (2023)
| Rep. Paul Holvey recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
| Recall status |
| Recall election date |
| October 3, 2023 |
| Signature requirement |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2023 Recalls in Oregon Oregon recall laws State legislative recalls Recall reports |
A yes/no recall election was held on October 3, 2023, against Oregon state Rep. Paul Holvey (D). Holvey was retained by voters in the recall election.[1]
The recall effort was launched on May 22, 2023. Supporters of the recall had 90 days—or no later than August 21, 2023—to collect 4,598 signatures to require a recall election.[2] On August 24, 2023, the state's secretary of state's office confirmed that the recall qualified for the ballot with 5,055 valid signatures.[3][4]
Proponents of the recall effort criticized Holvey for multiple reasons, including his lack of support for House Bill 3183, his vote on a 2019 bill that reduced pension benefits, and his failure to provide pandemic relief funds to frontline workers.
Holvey was elected to the state House in 2004. He was re-elected in 2022 with 85% of the vote. As of the 2023 legislative session, Holvey served as House speaker pro tempore.
Recall vote
Paul Holvey recall, 2023
Paul Holvey won the Oregon House of Representatives District 8 recall election on October 3, 2023.
Recall Vote |
% |
Votes |
|||
Yes |
10.0
|
1,349 | |||
| ✔ | No |
90.0
|
12,084 | ||
Total Votes |
13,433 | ||||
|
|
Statement of justification
The following statement by state Rep. Paul Holvey was printed on the recall ballots:[5]
| “ |
As your State Representative, I’m proud of my record standing up for working families, the environment, protecting access to reproductive health care, and prioritizing investments in our community. I fought successfully to raise the minimum wage, establish paid sick time, improve workplace safety laws and ensure fair pay for farm workers. One disgruntled union launched this recall after I asked questions about their proposed legislation. Because our attorneys said it would violate federal law, I decided to not support it. Their retribution is spending a fortune on a smear campaign to place this recall on the ballot. No other union or organization has joined them. This recall would overturn a fair election result from less than a year ago. Recalls should be used when elected officials commit crimes or major ethical abuse, not when one special interest gets upset because their bill didn’t pass. Please Vote NO. We Stand with Paul! Planned Parenthood Learn more: www.PaulHolvey.com[6] |
” |
Recall supporters
On May 22, 2023, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 initiated the recall effort. One of the reasons for the recall, as stated by the union, was Holvey's lack of support for HB 3183. Cannabis employers would have been prohibited from impeding employee unionization efforts if House Bill 3183 had been enacted. The union also listed Holvey's vote on a 2019 bill that reduced pension benefits for workers, as well as his failure to secure pandemic benefits for grocery workers, as additional grounds for the recall.[7]
Regarding the recall, Local 555 President Dan Clay conveyed in a statement, "Oregon workers are calling for the removal of Representative Holvey after his repeated attacks on their livelihoods. He has shown that his allegiance lies with large corporations, not with Oregonians. Voters in Holvey’s district deserve a representative who will prioritize their well-being, and they will have an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with Holvey’s representation."[7]
The reasons for recall listed in Nathan Erne's prospective petition to the secretary of state's office were as follows:
| “ |
Paul Holvey ran for office on working class values. But in recent years, he's abandoned those values and has been... SLASHING WORKERS? PENSIONS: He personally ensured the State House passed deep pension cuts, slashing hard-earned benefits for Oregon's hardest working public employees like teachers and firefighters. ABANDONING FRONT-LINE WORKERS: He used his short time as acting House Speaker to kill legislation that would have provided vital assistance to workers who had been on the front lines of the COVID crisis, claiming that the implementation would be too complex. DENYING WORKPLACE RIGHTS: Just this session he helped out scandal-plagued cannabis company La Mota by killing legislation supporting workplace rights for cannabis workers, just months after his caucus' campaign fund was showered in La Mota's cash contributions. Those same workers still face unsafe conditions, wage theft, and retaliation for attempting to unionize. When it comes to cutting benefits o f working Oregonians, Paul Holvey will work like mad to get legislation passed... But when it comes to standing up for workers, Paul Holvey always finds a reason not to. Our district should be represented by a true champion of working class Oregonians. Paul Holvey should step aside. More at www.RecallPaulHolvey.com[6] |
” |
Recall opponents
Holvey released the following statement about the recall effort:[8]
| “ |
As your State Representative, I have been focused on supporting our community and the people who live here. This recall effort was launched by one special interest group and their lobbyist, simply because I asked questions about a potential piece of legislation they were pushing. Asking questions is foundational to the job of being a State Representative and Chair of the Business and Labor Committee; it ensures there are no unintended consequences to our community and the people of Oregon. After asking questions and receiving legal advice, I concluded the piece of legislation would be irresponsible and would risk a costly legal battle for the state while likely setting back the use of labor peace agreements that I have fought for alongside union allies. I am proud that the work I do to support working families has earned the support of SEIU, the Carpenters, LIUNA, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Oregon Nurses, PCUN, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Firefighters Local #851, Oregon State Building Trades Council and many others. All I ask is, before you make a decision, look at my track record and list of supporters – not reckless claims fueled by misinformation and - sadly - wasted employee contributions.[6] |
” |
Path to the ballot
- See also: Laws governing recall in Oregon
Supporters of the recall effort had until August 21, 2023, to collect 4,598 valid signatures. In July 2023, supporters submitted 6,622 signatures to the state's secretary of state's office. The office found supporters had submitted a total of 2,610 valid signatures.[9][10] On August 21, 2023, supporters submitted 3,939 signatures.[11] On August 24, 2023, the secretary of state's office confirmed that the recall effort had 5,055 valid signatures. A recall election was held on October 3.
Election history
2022
See also: Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey defeated Michael Moore in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Paul Holvey (D) | 84.7 | 24,696 |
| Michael Moore (R) | 15.0 | 4,376 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 75 | ||
| Total votes: 29,147 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey advanced from the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul Holvey | 99.0 | 9,267 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.0 | 89 | ||
| Total votes: 9,356 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Michael Moore advanced from the Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Michael Moore | 95.5 | 904 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 4.5 | 43 | ||
| Total votes: 947 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2020
See also: Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey defeated Timothy Aldal and Martha Sherwood in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul Holvey (D / Working Families Party) | 67.7 | 27,886 |
 | Timothy Aldal (R) | 29.1 | 11,993 | |
| Martha Sherwood (L) | 3.0 | 1,239 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 76 | ||
| Total votes: 41,194 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey defeated Joseph Reilly in the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on May 19, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul Holvey | 87.1 | 11,588 |
| Joseph Reilly | 12.3 | 1,641 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.5 | 71 | ||
| Total votes: 13,300 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Timothy Aldal advanced from the Republican primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on May 19, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Timothy Aldal | 97.9 | 3,133 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 2.1 | 66 | ||
| Total votes: 3,199 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Martha Sherwood advanced from the Libertarian convention for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on July 6, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | Martha Sherwood (L) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
See also: Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2018
General election
General election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey defeated Martha Sherwood in the general election for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul Holvey (D) | 79.8 | 25,835 |
| Martha Sherwood (L) | 19.5 | 6,310 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.6 | 210 | ||
| Total votes: 32,355 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8
Incumbent Paul Holvey advanced from the Democratic primary for Oregon House of Representatives District 8 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul Holvey | 100.0 | 8,466 |
| Total votes: 8,466 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Historical state legislative recalls
Ballotpedia tracked 157 recall efforts against 148 state lawmakers from 1913 to 2022. During that time, 39 recalls made the ballot and 22 state legislators were successfully recalled.[12]
Michigan led the way with 37 state legislative recall efforts from 1913 to 2022. Of those 37 recall efforts, three were successful. Wisconsin followed with 30 state legislative recall efforts. Six of those recalls were successful.
Ballotpedia covered 34 coronavirus-related recall efforts against 93 officials in 2022, accounting for 13% of recalls that year. This is a decrease from both 2020 and 2021. COVID-related recalls accounted for 37% of all recall efforts in both 2020 and 2021. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials.
The chart below compares coronavirus-related recalls to recalls for all other reasons in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
See also
- Ballotpedia's Recall Report
- Oregon House of Representatives
- Recall campaigns in Oregon
- Political recall efforts, 2023
- State legislative recalls
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Oregon Public Broadcasting, "Eugene voters reject recall against state Rep. Paul Holvey in resounding fashion," October 4, 2023
- ↑ 'Oregon Public Broadcasting, "One of Oregon’s largest unions is going to try to oust an influential Democrat," May 22, 2023
- ↑ The Register-Guard, "Eugene-area state Rep. Paul Holvey faces recall election over alleged anti-labor stances," August 24, 2023
- ↑ Willamette Week, "Union Musters Enough Signatures to Force Recall Election for Rep. Paul Holvey," August 24, 2023
- ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Statement of Justification - Public Officer (SEL 352)," accessed September 22, 2023
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Oregon Capital Chronicle, "Oregon food workers union targets Rep. Paul Holvey for recall," May 22, 2023
- ↑ Paul Holvey Oregon State Representative, "Main page," accessed August 30, 2023
- ↑ OPB, "A recall election looks likely for one of Oregon’s top House Democrats," July 7, 2023
- ↑ Willamette Week, "Initial Signature Verification in Holvey Recall Effort Shows High Failure Rate," July 20, 2023
- ↑ Oregon Capital Chronicle, "Grocery union turns in close to 4,000 signatures for Holvey recall," August 21, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Recall of State Officials," accessed August 13, 2021
