Mike Nearman

Michael J. Nearman is a former American politician who served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing the 23rd district from 2015 until 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Nearman's tenure in the legislature was marked by significant events, including his expulsion from the House following his involvement in a breach of the Oregon State Capitol in December 2020. His political career was characterized by a focus on conservative issues and a controversial stance on voter registration processes.

Early life and career

Nearman was born and raised in Oregon, where he completed his secondary education at Jesuit High School in Beaverton. Following high school, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Marquette University. After completing his studies, Nearman returned to Oregon and became involved in his family's furniture business, gaining practical experience in the retail sector.

In addition to his work in the family business, Nearman furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Western Oregon University. This academic background equipped him with skills that he later applied in his professional career. From 2010 to 2015, Nearman worked as a software engineer for UTC Climate, Controls & Security, where he contributed to the development of technology solutions in the climate control and security sectors. His technical expertise and experience in engineering likely informed his approach to various legislative issues during his time in office.

Legislative service

Nearman's political career began to take shape when he decided to run for the Oregon House of Representatives in 2014. He entered the race for the 23rd district, challenging the incumbent, Representative Jim Thompson, in the Republican primary. Nearman's campaign was bolstered by a growing conservative sentiment among voters who were dissatisfied with Thompson's more progressive positions on social issues, including same-sex marriage and abortion rights. This discontent among the Republican base played a crucial role in Nearman's electoral success.

Upon winning the primary, Nearman advanced to the general election, where he secured his position in the Oregon House of Representatives. He served in this capacity from 2015 until his expulsion in 2021. During his time in the legislature, Nearman was involved in various legislative initiatives, including a notable effort to change the voter registration process in Oregon. He was one of the petitioners behind a ballot measure known as IP 5, which sought to require all Oregonians to re-register to vote and to present specific documentation, such as a birth certificate or passport, in order to register. This proposal reflected Nearman's commitment to conservative electoral reforms, although it faced significant opposition from various groups and was ultimately not enacted.

In December 2020, Nearman was one of twelve Republican officials who signed a letter urging Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to join a legal challenge regarding the results of the 2020 presidential election. This challenge was part of a broader national effort by some Republican leaders to contest the election outcome, reflecting Nearman's alignment with party sentiments during a contentious political period.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Nearman focused on issues that resonated with his constituents in Oregon's 23rd district, which includes parts of the state characterized by a mix of urban and rural communities. His policy positions often aligned with conservative values, particularly on social issues, which contributed to his electoral success in a district that was experiencing a shift towards more conservative representation.

However, Nearman's tenure was overshadowed by a significant incident that occurred in December 2020. During a special session of the Oregon legislature, he allowed armed protesters to enter the Oregon State Capitol. These protesters were demonstrating against health restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A video surfaced showing Nearman facilitating this breach, which led to widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about security protocols within the Capitol.

In the aftermath of the incident, Nearman faced disciplinary actions from the Oregon House leadership. House Speaker Tina Kotek imposed a fine on him, stripped him of his committee assignments, and called for his resignation. The situation escalated into a formal complaint regarding Nearman's actions, which were deemed to have created a hostile work environment. Following an investigation by the Oregon State Police, Nearman was charged with official misconduct and criminal trespass.

The charges stemmed from his actions during the Capitol breach, which included a plan he referred to as "Operation Hall Pass." This plan involved allowing protesters access to the Capitol, which he detailed in a meeting prior to the incident. The release of this information further complicated Nearman's legal situation and public standing.

On June 10, 2021, the Oregon House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to expel Nearman from the legislature, marking a historic moment as he became the first member to be expelled in the state's history. The vote was a reflection of the serious nature of his actions and the consensus among his colleagues regarding the need for accountability. Nearman's expulsion underscored the gravity of the events surrounding the Capitol breach and the implications for legislative conduct.

Following his expulsion, Nearman faced legal consequences, including a guilty plea to charges of official misconduct. As part of a plea agreement, he received probation, was required to perform community service, and was ordered to pay restitution for damages incurred during the Capitol incident. Additionally, he was banned from entering the Capitol building and its grounds, further severing his ties to the legislative process.

Nearman's political career, marked by both electoral success and significant controversy, reflects the complexities of contemporary American politics, particularly within the context of state-level governance and the challenges posed by political polarization. His actions and the subsequent fallout serve as a case study in the intersection of legislative responsibility and public accountability.