In a disgraceful outburst, Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham) berated Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) during a heated meeting on Oregon House Bill 2025, a multibillion-dollar transportation package. In response, he was forced to resign after a massive boycott campaign and a series of complaints.
For context, many critics have noted that despite labeling themselves as ‘the party of women,’ Democrats are all too eager to resort to sexism and harassment when it suits their goals. Incidents like this outburst highlight the inability of Democrats to conduct themselves with decorum and cast serious doubts on their leadership.
In any case, the incident started with Sen. Chris Gorsek screaming at Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis. He raved, “Excuse me… You are impugning all of us that have worked on that bill, so stop with that. … Stop with it. You’ve made your point, representative.”
Firing back in an epic complaint, Davis described his actions as “Grossly irresponsible.” She added, “His body language and speech were intimidating and aggressive,” and stated, “Gorsek’s actions on Friday were over the top and unbecoming of somebody who was in power.”
Announcing his resignation, the disgraced Democrat said, “To allow for the committee’s focus to remain on completing the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package this session, I have offered my resignation from the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment effective immediately.”
“I support the compromise that’s being offered from the House, and I look forward to voting in support of it on the Senate floor.”
Reacting to the case, State Rep. Christine Darzan said, “Senator Gorsek has a history of targeting and intimidating women in the Legislature. Last week, he singled out Rep. Boshart Davis with aggressive outbursts, while remaining silent toward male colleagues who said the same things.”
Continuing her epic takedown, she stated, “This pattern is unacceptable. It’s not just bullying—it’s a threat to the integrity of our democratic process. Senate President Wagner must act. Remove Gorsek from all committees, censure him, and restore accountability. No more bullies in power. It’s time to protect women and respect the workplace.”
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In another post, the same woman noted, “Representative @BoshartDavisAg was the target of Senator Gorsek’s repeated aggressive outbursts in committee last week. Senator Gorsek has a documented pattern of bullying, harassing, and intimidating female legislators who speak up and express opinions that differ from his. ”
Still not done, Darzan stated, “This behavior is not only abusive, it weakens our democratic institutions and has no place in our Capitol. Senate President Rob Wagner’s shameful silence, failure to respond, and inaction has engendered a culture of intimidation and misogyny—both on the dais and off. Senator Gorsek’s actions must not be ignored.”
Another state rep, Real Diehl, offered his own condemnation of the inappropriate outburst. He posted, ” I stand with House Republicans boycotting today’s session to condemn Sen. Gorsek’s outburst at @BoshartDavisAg and Sen. Wagner’s removal of Sen. Meek over HB 2025. I agree with Rep. Boshart Davis—before Gorsek berated her— this $15.5B tax hike, rushed without Oregonians’ input, is ‘grossly irresponsible.'”
Offended by Gorsek’s wild remarks, one local woman said, “I felt this. Your wife felt this. Your mom felt this. Bullying women you disagree with is outdated. And it’s disgusting. Do better Senator Gorsek. It’s 2025. Misogynistic rage is weak and cowardly.”