Policy consultant Steve Marks (D) announced late last week that he is running for Congress in the 5th district seat being vacated by Rep. Darlene Hooley (D), who is retiring.

Marks previously served as chief of staff and chief policy adviser to then-Gov. John Kitzhaber (D), who last week endorsed attorney Steve Novick in his Democratic Senate primary battle with state Speaker Jeff Merkley.

“I bring a history of service and a record of results,” Marks said in a statement.

Marks joins state Sen. Kurt Schrader in the Democratic race.

On the Republican side, wealthy businessman Mike Erickson, the 2006 5th district nominee, and former state GOP Chairman Kevin Mannix are running.

The 5th district is competitively drawn but has been held by Hooley since 1996. The filing deadline in Oregon is today.
— David M. Drucker