Tillamook County resident and Republican Party Chairman Thomas Donohue announced that he has filed to run for Oregon House District 10, the seat currently held by Representative David Gomberg. Donohue cited what he referred to as Gomberg’s support of legislation that will drastically increase Oregon’s minimum wage as a factor in his decision to seek election.

Donohue stated “for several years now, Rep. Gomberg has voted in lockstep with Portland politicians in support of an agenda that favors the desires of special interests over the needs of the community. In 2015, he supported a DEQ program that will increase gas prices. Now, in 2016, he has voted for a increase in the minimum wage that Donohue said could have enormously negative consequences for our economy.” Representative Gomberg has reported that he voted in favor of the minimum wage bill to help small businesses as it would be implemented over time versus all at once in 2017 if the $15 an hour bill were passed by the voters.

A veteran of Oregon’s Army National Guard, Donohue currently works as a technical analyst for the Oregon Lottery and volunteers as chair of the Tillamook County Republican Central Committee. He has previously served as chairman of the Pacific City Planning Advisory Committee, and currently serves as a director of the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association and as a director of the Nestucca Valley Community Alliance. House District 10 includes portions of Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, Lincoln, and Benton Counties.