The Rise of Andrea Salinas

In the recently concluded Democratic primary for Oregon’s newly minted 6th District, Andrea Salinas has secured her spot in the U.S. House of Representatives with a decisive 38% of the vote. It’s a victory that was far from quiet, as the campaign was the subject of substantial media scrutiny, primarily due to her opponent’s well-funded backing.

Who Is Carrick Flynn?

On the flip side, we had Carrick Flynn, an Oregon native who seemed to emerge from the political shadows thanks to financial flows from the Protect Our Future PAC, which is closely aligned with billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. Flynn, who had spent a decade wandering the United States before making his triumphant return to Oregon, managed to pull in a meager 19%. The remaining votes were scattered amongst a jumble of seven other candidates, effectively sealing Flynn’s fate as the also-ran in this race.

The Role of Dark Money

Protect Our Future left no stone unturned with its spending. Estimates suggest they poured an astonishing $8 to $10 million into ads supporting Flynn. As Jim Moore, director of political outreach at the McCall Center for Civic Engagement, pointed out, that’s triple the amount typically seen from Super PACs in congressional primaries. The result? Flynn gained recognition but stirred a backlash that didn’t sit well with voters—who apparently didn’t appreciate the idea of their congressional seat being bought.

Salinas’ Strengths

Andrea Salinas, unlike her opponent, comes armed with a hefty political resume, having served three terms in the Oregon state House. Her dedication to local issues, combined with endorsements from notable figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren, established her as a formidable candidate. In stark contrast, Flynn’s wavering ties to Oregon and a questionable voting history did not bolster his campaign in a state where authenticity matters.

A Warning for Flynn

Now the question remains—what’s next for Flynn? As Jim Moore wryly noted, his future may very well depend on whether he chooses to engage in local political efforts. If he doesn’t, he risks becoming little more than a fleeting memory, a trivia question in Oregon’s political history books marked by that one time when big money tried—and failed—to grab a seat.

The Implications for Elections Ahead

This election is not just a political footnote; it raises critical questions about the influence of dark money in politics, especially from Super PACs like Protect Our Future that continue to make waves across the country. As the landscape shifts, candidates and voters alike are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for outside influences and take note when the money gets too heavy.