Oregon just got a little more powerful. If you've been tracking the 2024 election cycle, you probably noticed the maps looked slightly different than they did back in 2020. Specifically, if you were looking at the Pacific Northwest, you might have asked: how many electoral votes does Oregon have 2024?
The short answer? Eight.
But that "eight" represents a historic shift. For the first time in 40 years, Oregon’s footprint in the Electoral College grew. Since 1982, the state had been stuck at seven votes. Because of the 2020 Census, Oregon finally gained a seat in the House of Representatives, which automatically bumped its electoral count up.
The Math Behind Oregon's 8 Electoral Votes
It's basically a simple addition problem, though the politics behind it are anything but simple. Every state starts with two electoral votes because every state has two Senators. That’s the baseline. Then, you add the number of Congressional districts. For decades, Oregon had five districts.
$2 \text{ (Senators)} + 5 \text{ (Representatives)} = 7 \text{ Electoral Votes}$
In 2024, the math changed. Following the 2020 Census, Oregon’s population growth—particularly around the Willamette Valley—triggered the creation of the 6th Congressional District.
$2 \text{ (Senators)} + 6 \text{ (Representatives)} = 8 \text{ Electoral Votes}$
This wasn't just some clerical update. It meant Oregon was one of only six states to gain influence following the census, joining the ranks of Texas, Florida, and North Carolina in the "gainer" category. Meanwhile, powerhouses like California and New York actually lost ground. Honestly, seeing a West Coast state other than California gain influence is a bit of a rarity these days.
Why the 2020 Census Was a Game Changer
The 2020 Census showed Oregon’s population hit over 4.2 million people. That's a 10.6% jump from 2010. Most of that growth happened in the "tech forest" and suburban corridors. When the dust settled, Oregon was mathematically entitled to that extra seat.
On September 27, 2021, the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 881, which drew the boundaries for the new 6th District. It covers Polk County, Yamhill County, and parts of Marion, Clackamas, and Washington counties. If you live in Salem or the southwestern Portland suburbs, you’re likely in the zone that gave Oregon its eighth vote.
How Oregon Voted in 2024: The Final Tally
When Election Day 2024 actually rolled around, those eight votes were squarely in the spotlight. Even though Oregon is considered a "blue" state, the margin matters for national totals.
🔗 Read more: New York Congressional District 16: What Most People Get Wrong
Kamala Harris ended up taking all 8 of Oregon's electoral votes. She secured roughly 55.3% of the popular vote, while Donald Trump took about 41%. It was a comfortable win for the Democrats, continuing a streak that dates back to 1988. The last time a Republican won Oregon was Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Interestingly, while the state stayed blue, there was a slight shift. Harris's 14.3% margin was a bit narrower than Joe Biden’s 16.1% win in 2020. You've got to look at the county level to see why. While Multnomah County (Portland) remains an absolute Democratic fortress—giving Harris nearly 80% of the vote—rural counties like Baker and Lake went for Trump by margins exceeding 70%.
The New 6th District Performance
The new district, the one responsible for the 8th vote, was a major battlefield. Representative Andrea Salinas, a Democrat, defended the seat in 2024 against Republican Mike Erickson. Because this district was drawn to be competitive, it served as a microcosm of the state's political divide. Salinas eventually won, helping to solidify the Democratic hold on the state’s expanded delegation.
Does 8 Votes Actually Make Oregon a Swing State?
Not really.
Having 8 electoral votes makes Oregon more important than its neighbors like Idaho (4) or Nevada (6), but it’s still far from the "Big Three" of the West (California, Washington, and Arizona).
However, in a razor-thin national election, every single vote is magnified. If you look at the 2024 national results, where Trump finished with 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226, Oregon's 8 votes didn't tip the scales. But in a scenario where the race is closer to the 270-vote threshold, that extra seat Oregon gained could be the difference between a win and a contingent election in the House.
What Happens Next for Oregon Voters?
Now that the 2024 election is certified and the electors have officially cast their ballots (which happened on December 17, 2024), the 8-vote count is locked in for the foreseeable future.
Oregon will keep its 8 electoral votes for the 2028 presidential election as well. The next time this number could change is after the 2030 Census. If Oregon’s growth continues to outpace the national average, there’s a slim chance it could even reach nine. But for now, eight is the magic number.
Actionable Insights for Oregonians:
- Check Your District: Since the boundaries shifted to accommodate the 6th District, you should verify your current Congressional representative on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
- Track Population Trends: The 2030 Census will determine if Oregon keeps its 8 votes. High participation in state surveys helps ensure accurate federal representation.
- Engagement: With an extra seat in D.C., Oregonians have more direct advocacy in the House. Use this to contact your representative regarding federal funding that is often tied to these census-driven numbers.