Crook County Democrats to host congressional candidate forum in Prineville
Tracee Tuesday
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County Democrats will host a forum next month featuring candidates running in Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary, offering Central Oregon voters a chance to hear directly from those seeking to challenge Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz.
The event is scheduled for April 11 at 2 p.m. at the Pine Theater in downtown Prineville. Organizers say the forum is aimed at giving residents in Crook County and surrounding communities an opportunity to ask questions and learn where candidates stand on issues affecting rural Oregon.
The 2nd Congressional District spans much of Southern and Eastern Oregon, including Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, making it one of the largest congressional districts in the country.
Candidates expected to participate include Mary Doyle, Rebecca Mueller, Peter Quince, Dawn Rasmussen and Patty Snow. The winner of the May 19 Democratic primary will face Bentz in the November general election.
Laura Craska Cooper will moderate the forum.
In a statement announcing the event, Crook County Democrats said the race carries significant implications for rural communities, including economic development, health care access and public lands policy. The group also criticized Bentz’s record, arguing his positions have negatively affected democratic institutions, environmental protections and social programs. Bentz, a Republican from Ontario, has represented the district since 2021.
Organizers say the forum is open to the public and encourage residents from across Central Oregon to attend.
Crook County Democrats said their organization focuses on supporting Democratic candidates and engaging voters at the local, state and national levels.
For more information, organizers encourage the public to contact the group through its communications director.