POWELL BUTTE, OR -- State Representative Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) will resign at the end of the legislative session, to take a seat on the Crook-Jefferson County Circuit Court. Governor Brown announced the appointment at the end of May. But, McLane says it's important he not step down right away, "There are some projects in Ways and Means that I've been actively working on, and so being one of the senior members on the Budget Committee, and one of the members on the Capital construction subcommittee, it's important to finish the work." He tells KBND News, "My goal is to make sure District 55 has representation throughout the session so that its interest is served and protected, if you will. So, hopefully, we'll wrap things up in a couple of weeks."

McLane Defends Appointment to the Bench (06/07/2019)

Once he gives up his seat, the process begins to determine his replacement. "Republican Party precinct members will meet and choose three Republicans to submit as nominees to County Commissioners." Those Commissioners are from Crook, Deschutes, Lake, Klamath and Jackson counties. Their votes are weighted based on how many of their residents live in District 55. "So, then, whoever receives the majority of the vote of the commissioners, will be the next State Representative for District 55," says McLane. Once that person is appointed to finish McLane's term, they'll have to run for election in 2020 to hold on to the position.

McLane began his legislative career in 2011, and was House Republican leader for six years.