Eastern Oregon’s new U.S. Representative officially takes office Sunday

ONTARIO, Ore.-- Congressman-elect Cliff Bentz from Ontario will be sworn in Sunday as the U.S. Representative for Oregon's largest congressional district, replacing long-time Republican Rep. Greg Walden who did not run for re-election.

The Ontario lawyer and former state legislator, defeated Democrat Alex Spenser of Klamath Falls in the November election.

Bentz will be one of a large crop of newly-elected Republican congressmen who will be sworn in on Sunday, Jan. 3.

He hopes to earn appointments on boards and committees that focus on natural resources, transportation and infrastructure.