Maxine Dexter, Backed By Super PACs And Pro-Israel Donors, Wins Oregon House Race

Dr. Maxine Dexter, a physician and state representative, won a contentious Democratic primary in a liberal Oregon House seat on Tuesday with help from big-money super PACs and pro-Israel donors.

In Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, a solid Democratic seat that includes most of Portland, Dexter, a mainstream progressive, is the prohibitive favorite to triumph in the general election. She is in line to succeed Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an avid transportation funding advocate who is retiring after representing the seat for 28 years.

Among other contenders, Dexter defeated Gresham city council member Eddy Morales and Susheela Jayapal, a former Multnomah County commissioner, ex-corporate attorney, and older sister to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Jayapal, the runner-up, was the preferred candidate of the activist left, garnering the endorsements of, among other high-profile progressives, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

But her outspoken views on topics like Israel’s war in Gaza and ties to the Congressional Progressive Caucus made her a target for pro-Israel donors and possibly, the deep-pocketed super PACs that gave Dexter an edge.

“Jayapal’s family connections into the Congressional Progressive Caucus have played a role in both giving her higher visibility and in potentially attracting opponents to her candidacy,” said Chris Shortell, a political science professor at Portland State University. “And those who are bringing outside money into the election are probably reflecting that dynamic.”

At the start of April, Jayapal had a cash advantage over Dexter of nearly $175,000.

Then, 314 Action Fund, a Democratic super PAC that backs