Peter Anthony DeFazio is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district from 1987 to 2023. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is a founder of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. A native of Massachusetts and a veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve, he previously served as a county commissioner in Lane County, Oregon. On December 1, 2021, DeFazio announced he would not seek reelection in 2022.
Peter DeFazio
DeFazio during the 105th Congress (1997–1999)
DeFazio speaks at Oregon State University in 2014
DeFazio during the 109th Congress
Oregon's 4th congressional district
Oregon's 4th congressional district represents the southern half of Oregon's coastal counties, including Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Lane, and Benton counties, alongside the northwestern half of Douglas County. It is centered around the state's two college towns, Eugene and Corvallis, homes to the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, respectively. Politically, the district leans slightly Democratic, due to the presence of Lane County, home to almost half of the district's population, and similarly blue Benton and Lincoln Counties. Contrariwise, Douglas County is heavily Republican, as are to a lesser extent Coos and Curry. The district has been represented by Democrat Val Hoyle since 2023.
Image: Harris Ellsworth (Oregon Congressman)
Image: Charles O. Porter (Oregon Congressman)
Image: Edwin R. Durno (Oregon Congressman)
Image: Robert B. Duncan