“I am honored to be selected for this role,” Neron says

By Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle

State Rep. Courtney Neron, D-Wilsonville, will move to the Oregon Senate after county commissioners tapped her to finish the remainder of Sen. Aaron Woods’ term.

Neron’s appointment, at the end of a nearly two-hour meeting with Clackamas, Washington and Yamhill county commissioners Wednesday evening, comes after Woods’ April death from cancer. It will trigger a new appointment process for someone who will finish her House term. 

“I am honored to be selected for this role in the Senate, and I know we have important responsibilities ahead,” Neron said in a statement Thursday morning. “My focus will stay on effective education policies, supporting our workforce, and protecting all that makes Oregon a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Both Neron and whoever replaces her in the state House will serve until January of 2027, with the ability to run for a full term in 2026. 

Neron was local Democratic officials’ top choice for the appointment and beat out energy consultant Dave Backen and Tigard City Councilor Jeanette Shaw. Backen also threw his support behind Neron while speaking to commissioners, saying she was the best person for the position. 

Neron is in her fourth term in the House and chairs the House Education Committee. She grew up in Metzger and Tigard, attended and taught at Tigard High School and is raising her family in Wilsonville.

Julia Shumway has reported on government and politics in Iowa and Nebraska, spent time at the Bend Bulletin and most recently was a legislative reporter for the Arizona Capitol Times in Phoenix, Arizona.