Conrad Announces Independent Run for House District 12

Former state Rep. Charlie Conrad announced Friday that he is running for Oregon House District 12 as an independent candidate, saying partisan politics in Salem have contributed to the state’s most pressing problems.

Conrad, who previously represented the district, said he was formally nominated by the Independent Party of Oregon and decided to seek office again to advocate for what he described as practical, results-driven leadership.

“Oregon is not working for the people who call this state home,” Conrad said in a statement announcing his candidacy. He pointed to the state’s high homelessness rate, low literacy rankings, ongoing wildfire losses, and rising costs for families and small businesses as issues he believes are exacerbated by party-driven decision-making.

According to Conrad, unaffordable housing has pushed Oregon to one of the highest homelessness rates in the nation, while schools continue to struggle with literacy outcomes. He also cited repeated wildfire disasters and criticized what he described as a tax system focused more on increased spending than measurable results.

Conrad said running as an independent reflects his belief that lawmakers should be free from party pressure in order to better serve their districts.

“I’ve always believed that good leadership is about listening, problem-solving, and delivering results-not towing a party line,” he said. “That’s why I’m running as an Independent, and why I’ll always put people over party.”

Former state Rep. Al Densmore, a member of the Independent Party of Oregon, endorsed Conrad’s candidacy, praising his willingness to work across political lines.

“Charlie Conrad is exactly the kind of leader Oregon needs right now,” Densmore said. “He has proven that he can work across political divides, stand up to party pressure, and focus on what actually helps people.”

Conrad said his campaign will emphasize affordability, education, wildfire preparedness and response, fiscal accountability, and policies aimed at supporting local communities and small businesses.

“Oregon’s current dysfunction is hurting Oregonians,” Conrad said. “We need leaders who listen, work together, and deliver results.”