Dennis Linthicum

Dennis Linthicum is a former member of the Oregon State Senate, representing the 28th Senate district. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the Oregon Senate from 2017 until 2025. Linthicum's political career includes various roles, including his tenure as a Klamath County Commissioner and his involvement in significant legislative actions during his time in office.

Early life and career

Dennis Linthicum was born in 1950. He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1978. Later, he obtained a master's degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University in 2009. Linthicum's professional career began in the technology sector, where he worked as a software developer at Hughes Aircraft in California. His career progressed as he took on leadership roles in information systems, serving as the senior vice president of management information systems at Lange Financial and subsequently at Pacific Mutual Life Insurance.

Linthicum's background in economics and technology provided him with a foundation for his later political endeavors. His work experience in the financial sector likely influenced his perspectives on economic policies and governance, which would become relevant during his time in public office.

Legislative service

Linthicum entered the political arena when he was elected as a Klamath County Commissioner in 2008. His tenure as a commissioner included involvement in a recall petition in 2013 aimed at removing all commissioners due to funding issues. However, the effort did not succeed as the petitioners failed to gather enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot.

In 2014, Linthicum sought a higher office by running for the 2nd U.S. Congressional District seat, which was held by Republican incumbent Greg Walden. Despite his efforts, Linthicum received a small percentage of the vote in the primary, with Walden securing a significant majority. Following this attempt, Linthicum successfully won election to the Oregon Senate in 2016.

During his legislative service, Linthicum was involved in notable actions, including a significant walkout in 2019 alongside eleven other Republican state senators. This walkout was a strategic move to deny the Democratic majority the quorum necessary to conduct business, specifically aimed at preventing a vote on a cap-and-trade bill intended to address greenhouse gas emissions. The walkout was a pivotal moment in the legislative session, resulting in the withdrawal of the carbon cap bill by the Democrats. Linthicum did not participate in the subsequent votes that took place at the end of the session, citing a prior commitment.

Linthicum was re-elected for a second term in November 2020. His political activities during this period included signing a letter with other Republican officials requesting the Oregon Attorney General to join a legal challenge regarding the results of the 2020 presidential election. In early 2021, he was elected treasurer of the Oregon Republican Party, aligning with a conservative slate that included other prominent party figures.

In 2023, Linthicum sponsored a bill known as the Greater Idaho bill, which sought to initiate discussions about changing the border between Oregon and Idaho to incorporate certain counties in Eastern Oregon into Idaho. However, this bill did not advance to a vote by the end of the legislative session.

Linthicum's legislative career faced challenges in 2023 when he reached the threshold of ten unexcused absences due to a Republican-led walkout. This situation led to his disqualification from running for re-election under Measure 113, which stipulates that legislators with a certain number of unexcused absences cannot seek another term. Linthicum and several other senators filed a lawsuit contesting this disqualification, but the Oregon Supreme Court ultimately ruled against them, confirming his ineligibility for re-election after his term concluded in January 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Oregon State Senate, Linthicum's policy focus reflected his Republican affiliation and conservative values. His legislative actions often aligned with efforts to limit government intervention in economic matters and to advocate for policies that resonated with his constituents in Oregon's 28th Senate district. The district, which includes parts of Klamath County, has a diverse demographic, and Linthicum's positions were shaped by the interests and concerns of his constituents.

Linthicum's involvement in significant legislative actions, such as the walkout to oppose the cap-and-trade bill, showcased his commitment to his party's principles and his willingness to take bold steps in the face of opposition. His sponsorship of the Greater Idaho bill indicated a focus on regional governance and a desire to address the political and economic concerns of Eastern Oregon residents who felt disconnected from the state's more urban centers.

In addition to his legislative work, Linthicum's engagement in party leadership roles, such as his position as treasurer of the Oregon Republican Party, further illustrated his influence within the party and his commitment to conservative causes. His actions during and after his legislative career, including his candidacy for Secretary of State in 2024, demonstrate his ongoing involvement in Oregon politics.

Linthicum's personal life includes his marriage to Diane, with whom he has two children. He is an active member of the Bonanza Community Church, reflecting his engagement in community and religious activities. His background and experiences have contributed to his perspectives on governance and public service, shaping his approach to the challenges faced by his constituents and the state of Oregon as a whole.