Oregon 6th Congressional District Defamation Lawsuit

Lawsuit brought by Mike Erickson, the Republican nominee for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, against Andrea Salinas, the Democratic nominee for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, alleging that Salinas defamed Erickson. Erickson asserts that Salinas ran an advertisement that falsely accused him of “being charged with felony possession.” While this is a defamation lawsuit, this case could have implications for elections. Oregon has a law that states that if it is found that a candidate has defamed another candidate and it’s determined that this would have determined the outcome of the election, “the defendant shall be deprived of the nomination or election and the nomination or office shall be declared vacant.” Litigation is ongoing.