An Oregon House committee wound up largely deadlocked Friday as it took up consequences for a Democratic lawmaker who sent harassing texts. Members of the
Bryan M. Vance
Originally published on February 7, 2021 10:05 am
Members of the House Conduct Committee are seeking the expulsion of Rep. Diego Hernandez, D-Portland, once a rising star within his party, after they determined he created a hostile workplace at the state Capitol.
The four-panel conduct committee voted unanimously to expel Hernandez, a move that has rarely if ever been taken before in Oregon’s history. The resolution will now go to the full House for a vote, where it will require 40 members or two-thirds of the 60-member body to approve.
“I hate this decision right now,” said Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland. “But I think the opportunity for change, for ownership, for responsibility has passed. That doesn’t mean reconciliation can’t happen in the future. But what I don’t want to happen is we OK a behavior that has damaged people.”