Party leaders confident David Wu will be replaced by a Democrat

With Rep. David Wu set to resign his post following allegations of sexual misconduct, Democrats were optimistic Tuesday they would keep hold of his Oregon seat in an upcoming special election.

The district, which trails along the Columbia River from the coast in northwestern Oregon before dipping south, has been in the Democratic column for decades.

“We are confident that a Democrat will continue to represent the families in this overwhelmingly Democratic district,” said Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a statement, noting that no Republican has held the seat since 1975.

The timing of Wu’s departure remains unclear. Wu said he would step down “upon the resolution of the debt-ceiling crisis” that has gripped Washington for weeks. Lawmakers are currently scrambling to lift the debt cap before an Aug. 2 deadline, but have made little outward progress.

Once he does resign, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, must call a special election to replace him, under state law. Depending on the date he sets, there would either be a primary, or party officials would select their own nominees.

One Democrat, Brad Avakian, the state labor commissioner, had already been actively raising money to challenge Wu and is expected to run. Others are likely to join the fray for the rare open congressional seat.

No Republicans have jumped in yet.

Allen Alley, chairman of the Oregon Republican Party, acknowledged picking up what has been “a traditional Democratic seat” would be a challenge. But with the incumbent resigning in scandal, he said all the energy and excitement is with the GOP.

“In a special election, since there isn’t someone at the top of the ticket, it’s all about energy,” he said.

shane.goldmacher@latimes.com