James Hieb

James Hieb is an American politician who was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives for the 51st district from 2023 to 2025.^[1] He previously represented the 39th district from 2022 to 2023.

James Hieb
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 51st district district
In office January 9, 2023 – January 13, 2025
Preceded by	Janelle Bynum
Succeeded by	Christine Drazan
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 39th district district
In office February 8, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Preceded by	Christine Drazan
Succeeded by	Janelle Bynum
Personal details
Political party	Republican
Children	5
Signature
Website	House website
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	2003-2007
Battles/wars	Iraq War

Biography

Hieb was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He served two tours in the Iraq War as an Infantryman and fought in Operation Phantom Fury.^[2]

Hieb serves as Director at Building Blocks Early Learning Center. He also serves on the Canby Housing Needs Committee.

Hieb is Vice Chair of the Canby Planning Commission and Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post #6057. He is also a member of the American Legion.^[3]

Hieb was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).^[4]

Career

Canby City Council election

Hieb ran unsuccessfully for Canby City Council in 2020. He received 5th place out of 6 candidates.^[5]

Oregon House of Representatives

Hieb was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives in District 39 by the Clackamas and Marion County Commissions to replace Christine Drazan, who resigned to run for Governor.^[6] Hieb ran for election to a full term, defeating educator Dr. Lisa Davidson in the primary and adult care worker Walt Trandum in the general election.^[3]

In 2023, due to redistricting after the 2020 United States census, Hieb was redistricted to the 51st district.

Committees

• House Interim Committee On Early Childhood and Human Services^[7]
• House Interim Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans^[7]

Controversies

Criminal history

Hieb has a history of various petty charges including trespassing, DUI, eluding a police officer, disorderly conduct, and various vehicle and traffic violations.^[4]

Proud Boys march

In 2021 video emerged of Hieb using pepper spray, while filming a clash between the Rose City Democratic Socialists Of America, Rose City Antifa, American Flag wavers, Cops Northwest, militiamen, and the Far Right group, the Proud Boys, during a political demonstration in Portland, Oregon.^[8]

Arrest

On August 17, 2022, at the Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo Hieb was arrested while intoxicated and carrying a concealed loaded handgun.^[9] Police were called for a confrontation with a woman who had asked him to put out a cigarette.^[10][11] No charges were filed as the district attorney determined Hieb’s behavior did not rise to the level of creating a disturbance to qualify for disorderly conduct.^[12]

Electoral history

2022

2022 Oregon House of Representatives 51st district election^[13]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	James Hieb (incumbent)	23,471	66.02
	Democratic	Walt Trandum	11,968	33.66
	Write-in		113	0.32
Total votes			35,552	100.0

2022 Oregon House of Representatives 51st district Republican primary ^[14]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	James Hieb	5,292	60.30
	Republican	Lisa Davidson	3,445	39.25
	Republican	Write-in	39	0.45
Total votes			8,776	100.00%