In the race for the Democratic nomination in Oregon’s House District 16, Corvallis School Board members Sami Al-Abdrabbuh and Sarah Finger McDonald are contending for the opportunity to succeed Rep. Dan Rayfield, who is stepping down. With no Republican candidates in the mix, the outcome of the Democratic primary will likely determine the next representative for the district, which includes Corvallis and surrounding areas. Sami Al-Abdrabbuh has garnered $55,652 in fundraising and highlights key issues such as housing affordability and workforce shortages. With his background in industrial engineering and experience on the school board, Al-Abdrabbuh is committed to addressing these pressing concerns, proposing solutions such as mortgage assistance programs for workers in high-demand fields. Meanwhile, Sarah Finger McDonald, with $42,929 raised, brings a strong focus on gun violence prevention and healthcare access o the forefront of her campaign. As an academic advisor at Oregon State University and a passionate activist, McDonald advocates for measures to enhance safety and support for communities, drawing from her experiences in both education and activism.
Sami and Sarah were both involved in endorsement drama with Al-Abdrabbuh claiming endorsements from Legislators who in fact did not endorse him and Finger McDonald getting flak from CEA Union President Christa Schmeder and other teachers on FaceBook for McDonald’s claims that she was the only candidate endorsed by teachers. State Senator Sara Gelser took to FaceBook to defend McDonald while slamming Sami’s miscommunication and manipulation of endorsements given to both candidates (SEIU and Sierra Club). Yikes. Looks like local politics pulls out the cattiness in our officials. As ballots are distributed, voters in House District 16 will have the opportunity to consider these candidates’ visions and priorities for the future of their district and the state of Oregon.
The Crescent Crier 