Rep. Brad Witt, D-Clatskanie, filed Monday to run in the 2022 Democratic primary for a Salem-area district with no incumbent.

Witt has represented House District 31 since his appointment in 2005. The district includes parts of Columbia, Washington and Multnomah counties.

In 2020, Witt was re-elected with 50.5% of the vote over Republican Brian Stout in one of the closest of the 60 House seats on the ballot.

Witt announced in September that he would not seek re-election, citing redistricting in September that added more Republicans to his district.

The surprise bid to run for the open House District 19 seat came a day before the filing deadline for the May 17 primary. Witt listed a Salem address as his current home.

Witt was was the center of a controversy during the 2021 session when now House Minority Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, filed a complaint that Witt had sent her sexually harassing text messages.

Witt said Breese-Iverson misconstrued his banter. But the Oregon House Committee on Conduct found Witt in violation of Rule 27, which bars harassment or discriminatory behavior. Then-House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, formally stripped Witt of three committee assignments.

Witt joins Salem city council members Tom Andersen and Jackie Leung as candidates in the Democratic primary for House District 19.  Salem insurance broker T.J. Sullivan has filed for the Republican primary.

Prior to redistricting for the 2022 election, much of the area in and around the new district was represented by Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem and Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem. Moore-Green is running for the Senate, while Clem did not seek re-election.

Tuesday is the final day for candidates to file to run in the May 17 primary that includes governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. House members, the Legislature, and a variety of local offices.