Secretary of State Strikes Down Complaint by Democrats About Republican Candidate's Residency

Rich Vial, candidate for House District 26, does live in the district, officials rule.

The race for an open seat in the Oregon House representing Hillsboro, Wilsonville and parts of Tigard could determine whether Democrats have the supermajority they need to raise taxes.

But Democrats' attempt to disqualify the Republican candidate in the House District 26 race just fell short.

Thursday, the Oregon Secretary of State ruled candidate Rich Vial did not violate elections law by sometimes living in a second home outside his district and, therefore, would not be disqualified from the election.

On Sept. 12, Democrats with Future PAC complained to state officials that social media posts showed Vial lived primarily at his second home, which is about three miles away from the house he listed on his candidacy papers, The Oregonian reported.

Vial responded by submitting copies of his driver's license, personal mail and utility bills to show his primary residence is in House District 26. He also submitted a statement from his accountant that he lists the District 26 house as his primary residence for tax purposes.

"There is no election law which prohibits the use of a second home, nor does the use of a second home, alone, indicate a change of residency," wrote an investigator with the Secretary of State's office.

Vial faces Democrat Ray Lister in the November general election.

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