Chris Garrett Won't Seek Reelection

Rep. Chris Garrett
By NIGEL JAQUISS

Rep. Chris Garrett (D-Lake Oswego) will not seek re-election, WW has learned.

Garrett's departure will be a significant loss for the House Democrats. First elected in 2008, Garrett rose quickly to become a leader in his caucus.

In this year's regular session, he served in three key positions: Chair of the Rules Committee, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety, and Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee.

Garrett co-led redistricting in 2011, a process that most observers say resulted in an advantage for Democrats. During 2012 and in this year's session, he also served a leader in a major re-examination of Oregon's sentencing policy. 

Garrett could not be reached for comment. But sources familiar with his plans say he will be appointed to the Oregon Court of Appeals by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

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