Politics
Oregon Senate Democrats Nominate Rob Wagner for President, Elevate Anthony Broadman to Majority Leader
Senate Democrats have nominated Rob Wagner to continue as Senate President and chosen Anthony Broadman as majority leader, with the full chamber set to vote on the presidency in January.
Oregon Senate Democrats have nominated state Sen. Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, to continue as Senate President and selected state Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, as their new majority leader, the caucus announced Saturday ahead of the January legislative session.
Wagner, whose district includes Lake Oswego, Tualatin, West Linn and parts of South Portland, served as majority leader before becoming Senate President in 2023. The full Senate will vote on the presidency when the session convenes in January. Democrats are poised to hold a strong majority following this month's election.
"I'm privileged to again represent the Senate Democrats as their choice for Oregon's next Senate President," Wagner said in a statement. "The 2027-2029 biennium will bring a range of challenges, and I'm grateful for the caucus's confidence. I look forward to the upcoming session and working with all members of the chamber to successfully address the priorities that mean the most to those who call Oregon home."
Broadman, who represents Bend, Redmond, Sisters and much of Deschutes County, previously served on the Bend City Council and was first elected to the Senate in 2024. He replaces state Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Portland, as majority leader.
"Oregon is facing serious challenges, and working families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living," Broadman said. "Voters entrusted us with the largest Democratic majority in decades, and our first priority must be making life more affordable for Oregon families. We will meet this moment with urgency to deliver real results that make a difference in the lives of Oregonians."
State Sen. James Manning, D-Eugene, was selected to run for Senate president pro tempore-designate.
The caucus also filled several other leadership posts: Sen. Wlnsvey Campos of Aloha as deputy majority leader; Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin of Corvallis, Albany and South Salem as floor manager; Sen. Lisa Reynolds of Portland as floor manager; Sen. Khanh Pham of outer Southeast and Northeast Portland as assistant majority leader; Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin of Tigard, King City and Wilsonville as assistant majority leader; and Sen. Kate Lieber of Beaverton and Southwest Portland as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee.
The leadership slate signals continuity in the Senate's top post alongside a new face at the helm of the majority caucus. With a larger Democratic majority, the caucus will face pressure to deliver on affordability and other kitchen-table priorities while navigating the state's pressing challenges in the 2027-2029 biennium.