Q & A Candidate Forum Featuring: Candidate Daniel Bonham, State District 26

1. In a few sentences, state what position you are running for and why you believe you are the best candidate to win this election?

I am running for State Senate District 26. I bring 4+ years of experience as a State Representative of House District 59, relationships in the Capitol, an understanding of the process, success helping constituents navigate the state bureaucracy, and the skills it takes to pass bills even from a super-minority position. My life experience and being a current small business owner offer me a unique perspective that is rare within the legislature.

2. What are the three most critical issues you plan to tackle once elected?

I will continue to advocate for a healthy economy, quality education, and a strong law enforcement community. Life is getting expensive for Oregonians. The burden of layered taxation is compounded by inflation, making life in Oregon unaffordable. We need to relieve tax burdens and re-evaluate a state budget that has ballooned to $112.789 billion per biennium. We need targeted investment in education that includes expanded options for students and parents alike. Despite population growth of 800,000 Oregonians since 2000, we have less State Troopers in service today than we did 20 years ago.

3. When faced with difficult and complex issues in drafting public policy, what main factors will you consider when making decisions for the community at large?

My process for evaluating policy is: Constitution, Conscience, Constituents, Caucus. I start with the founding documents of our state and nation- do those documents allow for the proposed policy. Next, I consider my own life experience and my worldview to evaluate any new policy concept. Then I utilize community engagement, constituent feedback, and my understanding of the needs of the district I represent. Finally, I consider the perspective of my fellow Republican caucus members- their background, their professional experience, their opinions and understanding of the impacts of the proposed legislation.

4. Do you believe voter fraud exists in the State of Oregon? If so, would you advocate for a state forensic audit in elections where questions about election integrity may exist?

I support a forensic audit. Having faith in our election process and Oregonians being confident in the outcome of elections is essential to a healthy democratic republic. An audit would help us understand our vulnerabilities and address them, while reinforcing the strength of our election system- the local county clerks. My primary concern with our current “vote by mail” structure is the ability to ballot harvest- which creates opportunity for fraud.
5. Please state your position regarding the issue of Right to Life and abortion.

I am Pro-Life and endorsed by Oregon Right to Life.

6. Fun facts and Trivia: What is your favorite meal, vacation spot and favorite all time movie?

Favorite Meal: Tacos. Vacation Spot: Lincoln City.
All Time Movie: The Godfather

7. Bonus question: do you have a motivational quote you would like to share?

I’ve always appreciated Romans 5 verses 1-5:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.