Rick Lewis (politician)

Rick Lewis
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives
from the 18th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
February 23, 2017
Preceded byVic Gilliam
Mayor of Silverton
In office
January 2015 – February 23, 2017
Preceded byStu Rasmussen
Succeeded byKyle Palmer
Personal details
BornSheridan, Wyoming, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Residence(s)Silverton, Oregon, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Wyoming
Signature

Rick Lewis is an American politician and former law enforcement officer serving as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. He represents the 18th district, which covers southern Clackamas and northeastern Marion counties.

Early life and education

Lewis grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming, and entered the military after graduating from high school upon the advice of his father. Lewis graduated from the University of Wyoming, and served in the Laramie and Gillette police forces.

Career

He moved to Oregon in 1984, serving as a sergeant in the Umatilla police department, and became Union chief of police in 1986. Lewis later served as Bandon chief of police, and as chief of police of Silverton from 1998 until his retirement on August 2, 2012.[1] He was elected mayor of Silverton in 2014, defeating incumbent Stu Rasmussen, and reelected in 2016.[2][3]

On January 30, 2017, State Representative Vic Gilliam resigned due to deteriorating health.[4] Lewis announced his candidacy for appointment to the vacant seat along with Jerome Rosa and Glenn Holum.[5] On February 22, 2017, Lewis was selected as Gilliam's replacement by the Marion and Clackamas County commissioners.[6][7] He resigned his position as Mayor and was sworn in on February 23.[2]

Political positions

Following the Standoff at Eagle Pass, Lewis signed a letter in support of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision in the conflict.[8]

Electoral history

2018 Oregon State Representative, 18th district[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Lewis] 18,950 65.9
Democratic Barry Shapiro 9,731 33.9
Write-in 57 0.2
Total votes 28,738 100%
2020 Oregon State Representative, 18th district[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Lewis 25,996 70.2
Democratic Jamie Morrison 10,933 29.5
Write-in 100 0.3
Total votes 37,029 100%
2022 Oregon State Representative, 18th district[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Lewis 24,352 71.1
Democratic Jesse S Smith 9,863 28.8
Write-in 40 0.1
Total votes 34,255 100%
2024 Oregon State Representative, 18th district[12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Lewis 26,553 70.8
Democratic Karyssa Dow 10,884 29.0
Write-in 61 0.2
Total votes 37,498 100%

References

  1. ^ Wiegand, Brenna (June 2012). "A man with a vision: Rick Lewis set to retire as Silverton police chief". Our Town. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Much, Justin (February 23, 2017). "Rick Lewis takes house oath, resigns as mayor". Statesman Journal. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  3. ^ Collins, Timm (November 4, 2014). "Challenger beating Silverton's mayor". Statesman Journal. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  4. ^ Friedman, Gordon R. (January 30, 2017). "Silverton Republican Vic Gilliam resigns after ALS diagnosis". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on May 28, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  5. ^ Much, Justin (February 20, 2017). "Who will replace Rep. Vic Gilliam for HD 18? Three candidates". Statesman Journal. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  6. ^ "County Commissioners Select Silverton Mayor Rick Lewis as HD18 State Representative Replacing Vic Gilliam". Oregon Republican Party. February 22, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  7. ^ Friedman, Gordon R. (February 22, 2017). "Silverton mayor appointed to state House of Representatives". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  8. ^ "OR Republicans 2024-2-5 Joint letter on Texas" (PDF).
  9. ^ "November 6, 2018, General Election Abstract of Votes". Oregon Secretary of State. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  10. ^ "November 3, 2020, General Election Abstract of Votes" (PDF). Oregon Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  11. ^ "November 8, 2022, General Election Abstract of Votes" (PDF). Oregon Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  12. ^ "November 5, 2024, General Election Abstract of Votes" (PDF). Oregon Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.