For the first time in recent history, much of Central Oregon will be represented by a Democrat

Oregon Democrats are gaining a hold on Central Oregon for the first time in recent history.

The city of Bend was conservative until 2008 , when it elected a Democrat to the state House .

Deschutes County , the most populous region of Central Oregon , had gone red in every presidential election since 1964 .

But in 2020 , a shifting population led to Democrats outnumbering Republicans in the county.

Matt McCaw is the leader of the Greater Idaho Movement , which seeks to help counties in Eastern Oregon join their conservative neighbor, Idaho .

So far, 13 counties have passed measures in support of considering joining Idaho .

McCaw said he thinks Congressional District 5 is “completely gerrymandered” to assert control over Central Oregon .