Lopez

Republican challenger Keri Lopez presents a clear and preferable alternative in the race for House District Seat 53, currently held by first-term Democrat Emerson Levy.

In a debate September 30, Levy disingenuously painted her opponent, Keri Lopez, as “on the fringe.” Two questions touched on controversial cultural topics: abortion and transgender youth in sports. When Levy was asked if she would support any restrictions on abortion she answered “[she] would always support a woman’s right to choose.” By contrast, Lopez affirmed she stands with the “80% of Oregonians that support some restrictions on abortion.” Lopez emphatically stated she does not support any move to restrict IVF or birth control bans. Abortion is the default issue used by the Democrat Party to divide Oregonians on an issue that is, as Lopez acknowledged, “settled.” Democrat-sponsored ads are critical of Lopez (and other Republican candidates like Michael Summers) as trying to “restrict a woman’s right to choose,” the Democrat euphemism for unfettered abortion.

Lopez correctly pointed out that economic and education issues are at the forefront of most people’s minds. Lopez, as a mother, two-term school board member, and small business owner with financial background, supports fully funding schools in a fiscally responsible way with regular audits and, importantly, raising and improving school standards, not lowering them as has been done by the current administration which Levy supports. There is a reason Oregon schools rank almost dead last in the country under Democrat mismanagement in league with their teachers’ union supporters.

The second controversial question in the debate was whether the candidates supported transgender youth participation in school sports. Democratic incumbent Levy completely dodged the question, simply stating that this is a “new” and “cultural issue” and that we “must be careful about how we talk about transgender youth as there is a high risk of suicidal ideation” and that more mental health is needed for youth. Thus, Levy does not oppose biological boys playing in girls’ sports

Lopez did not dodge the question. She explained what we all know: that her sons can throw a softball at a much higher rate of speed than she could at their age, even though she was a competitive softball athlete. It is not fair to have biological boys competing against girls; Title 9 should retain its original intended meaning and not distort athletic opportunities for girls. Lopez correctly stated the common-sense view that women’s and men’s sports should remain separate, but an open class of sport could accommodate any athlete that prefers to compete across genders. Both candidates agreed that appropriate funding for youth mental health is a priority.

Levy concluded the debate by characterizing Lopez’s positions on abortion, family planning, and book bans (not discussed in the debate) as “on the fringe.” Calling anyone who doesn’t agree with you “fringe” and “extreme” is an old Democrat canard intended to squelch debate. Like Democrat accusations of Republicans as racist, it’s a tired refrain. Lopez’s views on this issue are mainstream. Oregon state law already requires its Medicaid program to cover “gender-affirming care” such as hormone replacement therapies and some surgeries for minors as young as 15. In 2023, Levy supported controversial H.B. 2002 which requires private insurance companies to cover this “gender-affirming care” and permits minors of any age to access abortions without their parents’ knowledge.

Lopez is not the extreme candidate. Levy’s support for biological boys playing in girls’ sports and for zero restrictions on abortion demonstrates who is the real extremist. A lifelong Oregonian, Lopez represents those in the middle.

Keri Lopez provides a much-needed alternative to the Democrat stranglehold in Salem. She runs a small construction business, knows how to be fiscally responsible and make payroll, and values family and educational excellence. Lopez has the practical skills we need to push back against Democrat excesses. Elect Lopez and restore common sense and balance to state government.