'I cannot condone the misogyny, the racism': Oregon Republican becomes Democrat, citing Trump

A devout Republican commissioner in northwest Oregon says she can no longer stand by the party because of Trump’s “racist tactics” and changed her political affiliation to become a Democrat. 

Lori Stegmann left a long explanation on her Facebook page on Wednesday for her sudden choice after spending her entire adult life as a conservative. In an interview with USA TODAY, she chronicled her love of conservative leaders over the years and her start in the U.S. as an orphan and immigrant from South Korea.

Stegmann explained to her constituents in Multnomah County, which encompasses Portland, that she didn’t want to leave the party but “it became impossible for me to stay.” 

“I have not changed but the Republican party clearly has,” Stegmann said in her message. “There’s too much at stake in our country right now and we have to speak out. As a woman, a business owner, a mother, an immigrant, and a minority I cannot condone the misogyny, the racism, and the unethical and immoral behavior of the current administration.”

Stegmann summed up much of her reasoning for leaving the party to President Donald Trump and the policies of his administration. She said while she had never liked the business mogul-turned politician, seeing the lack of resistance from the Republican party made it hard to stay. 

“Trump has emboldened a dark side of our country,” she said, adding while becoming a Democrat was a change, it wouldn’t change beliefs or work. 

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“I am still the same person, I still vote my mind and conscience,” she said. “I believe our world needs more people who feel empowered and who can think for themselves, and stand up to the bullies of the world.”

More: Congress: We know these lawmakers won’t be back after the 2018 elections

While party switches aren’t incredibly common, especially in higher branches in government, the governor of West Virginia surprised many when he announced he was switching parties and would become a Republican. 

Gov. Jim Justice made the announcement last year alongside President Trump at a rally in the state. 

The party switches, combined with a large number of conservative lawmakers resigned amid scandal or retired, could put more pressure on the November midterms. 

Republicans are vying to keep their majority of both the House and Senate in Congress as Democrats battle for control.

More: Georgia runoff: Trump-backed gubernatorial candidate wins GOP nomination

Opinion: Trump and Republicans can count on Democrats in midterm elections

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