CLACKAMAS, OR -- In one of the most hotly contested Congressional races in the state, a seasoned politician is headed to the national stage, hoping to represent Oregon's Fifth Congressional District.

Clackamas State Rep. Janelle Bynum thanked supporters late Tuesday, "It is with great pride that I introduce myself as now State Representative but now nominee - Democratic nominee." She added, "Today, we’re talking about school lunches for every child in America. We’re talking about reproductive health access. We’re talking about all of these things that will make America a much richer and much more alive place for every American. So, I’m really excited for this opportunity."

Central Oregon attorney and activist Jamie McLeod Skinner had hoped for a rematch against Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. But, as of Wednesday, had only garnered 30% of the vote in the Primary. 

Bynum said Tuesday her eight years in Salem prepared her for Congress, "I do this work as a love letter to my children and to Oregon’s children. And I truly believe when you bridge the gap between opportunity and talent, then America is a much better place. There’s so many young, talented, beautiful children out there who just need a shot."

She took a swipe at her next opponent during the victory speech, "In the past, I’ve looked at every bill with the lens of “will it make Oregon better and create opportunities for our children- both our sons and our daughters? Will it help working families? And will it advance civil rights?” And I know better than anybody else, unfortunately, Lori Chavez-DeRemer hasn’t been thinking that way in Congress."

Chavez-DeRemer ran unopposed in her GOP primary and issued a statement last night saying she’s honored to have such a strong coalition of support and is proud of what she says is a bipartisan voting record. Her campaign says she has nearly $2 million in her campaign war chest for the general election.