DeFazio, a champion of truckers in D.C., to retire from Congress

PORTLAND, Ore. — Rep. Peter DeFazio, the longest serving U.S. House member in Oregon’s history and a staunch advocate for the trucking industry, said Wednesday he is retiring and will not seek reelection next year.

News of DeFazio’s decision spread quickly in the trucking world.

Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, called DeFazio a leading voice on trucking issues.

“He has displayed a seldom matched knowledge and understanding of transportation policy that professional drivers have always respected throughout his decades of service,” Spencer said.

“OOIDA has genuinely appreciated the Chairman’s thorough comprehension of the various concerns raised by small-business truckers. While we have not always agreed about how to best improve the trucking industry, we have valued the informed dialogue with the Chairman and his staff over the years.

“We look forward to continue working with Rep. DeFazio on addressing many of the long-standing challenges that truckers confront on a daily basis such as excessive detention time, inadequate compensation and the truck parking crisis during the remainder of his term.”

The American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said that DeFazio “is without question a gifted legislator and leader who, over the span of four decades, has made a difference in the lives of all Americans. His absence will come at a time when we need more elected officials willing to put the nation’s interest ahead of themselves.”

Spear continued: “Amidst bitter partisanship throughout Washington, Chairman DeFazio stands out as one of the rare solution seekers committed to advancing the legislative process. Our industry appreciates the fact that he will solicit members’ thoughts, listen to logic and make decisions based on facts, not knee-jerk rhetoric and emotion. That collaboration is something our industry looks for in an elected official and what ultimately shapes sound public policy.

“Few legislators have been more instrumental in driving national infrastructure policy than Chairman DeFazio. He’ll leave the House having cemented a lasting legacy that his constituents and all Americans will see, feel and use for decades to come. We thank him for his service and partnership.”

The 74-year-old Democrat is the powerful chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

“With humility and gratitude, I am announcing that I will not seek re-election next year. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as Congressman for the Fourth District of Oregon,” DeFazio said in a statement.

While his announcement comes as his party faces a number of challenges ahead of the 2022 midterms, DeFazio’s seat is probably safe for Democrats. Oregon’s 4th District covers the southwestern portion of the state, including coastal communities and the liberal university towns of Eugene and Corvallis.

DeFazio was first elected in 1986. The last time a Republican was elected to the seat was 1972.

In 2020 DeFazio faced a spirited challenge from Alek Skarlatos, a hero soldier-turned-Republican congressional candidate. In 2015, Skarlotos, a member of the Oregon National Guard, helped disrupt an attack on a train bound for Paris by a heavily armed man who was a follower of the Islamic State group.

DeFazio beat Skarlatos by 5 percentage points, his closest margin of victory in many years.

And while the GOP will see an opportunity in the 4th District next year, there will likely be many strong Democratic candidates as well. Democrats control the Legislature, all statewide elected offices, the two U.S. Senate seats and four of the five current U.S. House seats in Oregon.

“It’s time for me to pass the baton to the next generation so I can focus on my health and well-being,” DeFazio said, adding he will work for the rest of his term to help pass President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act to address economic inequities and the climate crisis.

Originally from suburban Boston, DeFazio got an advanced degree in gerontology from the University of Oregon and later worked as an aide to former Oregon Rep. Jim Weaver, who he succeeded, and as a county commissioner.

DeFazio touted among his accomplishments banning the export of logs from federal lands to protect old growth forests, protecting 390,000 acres (157,827 hectares) of wilderness in Oregon and increasing federal investment in infrastructure.

In a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised DeFazio for his many years of service.

“Chairman Peter DeFazio is an absolute force for progress, whose 36 years of effective leadership in the House will leave a legacy that will benefit the Congress and Country for decades to come,” Pelosi said.

Environmental groups also lauded the retiring congressman.

“Chairman DeFazio is one of Congress’ all-time greatest champions for wildlife, public lands, and healthy waterways,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

The Trucker Staff contributed to this report.

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