Dirk VanderHart
Dirk VanderHart covers Oregon politics and government for OPB. Before barging onto the radio in 2018, he spent more than a decade as a newspaper reporter—much of that time reporting on city government for the Portland Mercury. He’s also had stints covering chicanery in Southwest Missouri, the wilds of Ohio in Ohio, and all things Texas on Capitol Hill.
Dirk’s byline has appeared in USA Today, The New York Times, The Houston Chronicle, The Columbus Dispatch, The Oregonian, and more. He’s got a journalism degree from Michigan State University.
Send Dirk the best story ideas.
Latest Stories
‘OPB Politics Now’: The Republican agenda in Oregon
On this week's show, OPB political reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart look at the Republican Party's agenda for the 2023 Oregon legislative session, and the GOP's plans to slow things down if Democrats don't cooperate.
Oregon Senate Republicans plan delay tactics to press GOP agenda
The announcement highlights resentments that have lingered between lawmakers in Salem for years.
Oregon Republicans see legislative gains, but not as significant as they hoped
The GOP's dreams of taking control of the state Senate fizzled on election night, though the party did make gains.
Oregonians limit legislative walkouts as Measure 113 passes easily in unofficial returns
Oregon voters appear to have impaired the ability of state lawmakers in the minority party to block contentious bills by fleeing the Capitol, a maneuver Republicans employed in 2019 and 2020.
On Election Day eve, Oregon’s turnout is more sluggish than past years
The relatively slow pace of ballot returns doesn't mean Oregon voters won't turn out in sizeable numbers — just that they're not doing so yet.
Harassment policies in Oregon Capitol appear headed for change
After three years, and several revisions, it seems everyone agrees the system for dealing with harassment complaints in the statehouse is broken.
Workplace complaint stalls against Tina Kotek, after committee deadlocks
Republicans on the House Conduct Committee said Kotek created a hostile workplace for another lawmaker in 2019. Democrats disagreed.
Republicans expect gains in the Oregon Legislature
The GOP is almost certain to eat into Democratic supermajorities this year. The question is by how much.
Democrat Tina Kotek increasingly targets a former ally in tight governor’s race: Gov. Kate Brown
The Democratic nominee for governor has been increasingly critical of Gov. Kate Brown as she tries to create distance.
Democrats’ total control over Oregon politics could end with the race for governor
In the Oregon race for governor, the Democrat, Tina Kotek, and the Republican, Christine Drazan, are in a dead heat thanks to the unaffiliated candidate, Betsy Johnson, who has outraised her competitors.