Hermiston Mayor David Drotzmann is considering adding his name to the slate of candidates seeking Bill Hansell’s seat in the Oregon Senate.
“I am exploring the idea,” Drotzmann said. “Trying to figure out how to best balance my family and work with the desire to make the serious commitment it takes to go to Salem for six months every two years and for three months every other year.”
State Senate terms span four years, and the winning candidate will represent District 29, the second-largest district in Oregon, spanning much of Eastern Oregon.
Drotzmann was first elected mayor of Hermiston in 2012 and is working through his third term in office after winning the popular vote in November 2020.
The Hermiston mayor said he was in the process of consulting with close friends and family members to decide if he would put his name on the 2024 ballot.
Hansell announced his retirement on March 2, ending a stint in politics stretching across four decades. Since he announced his retirement, two candidates announced their plans to fill the Senate seat. Former Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty and Wallowa County Commissioner Todd Nash also are running for the open position.
