Retrospect: Republicans dominated Jay

This year, Republicans swept the local elections, taking the seat in every contested partisan race.

The same was true 35 years ago. 

On Nov. 9, 1983, The Commercial Review reported the results of that year’s election for Portland’s mayor, clerk-treasurer and city council members.

James E. Luginbill, who was first elected in 1979, was re-elected as mayor with almost 77 percent of the vote. He defeated Democrat James Camp. 

Also re-elected was clerk-treasurer Betty Miller, who won 79 percent of the vote against Mary Chase. 

At-large city council member Neil Medler earned a second term, taking 65 percent of the vote in his race against challenger Joseph Louks. 

Bob Vance also won his re-election bid for first district council representative against Richard Huey. The CR reported that Huey was the only Democratic candidate to go to GOP headquarters to congratulate his opponent after results were released. 

Leland Hill, a Democrat who had been appointed to council to fill an uncompleted term, was unseated by James Johnson. Vicki Tague, who had formerly served as county auditor, was elected as the third district’s council representative, beating Fred Jetter. 

Also elected were Richard Bentz for the fourth district seat and incumbent Portland City Court Judge Larry A. Freyburgher. Both were unopposed. Freyburgher was the only Democrat who survived the election. 

Voter turnout ranged from 53 to 61 percent in Portland. In 2018, voter turnout was 53.3 percent. 

According to The CR, the GOP sweep in 1983 was the first since 1971.