Election Update: Three key congressional leaders on transportation & infrastructure issues reelected

State ballot measures pass in Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia

As ballots continue to be counted across the country, a number of tightly contested congressional races that the ATSSA Government Relations Team has been tracking, have been declared winners.

House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D) fended off a challenge from political newcomer Alex Skarlatos to win Oregon’s 4^th District.

In New Hampshire’s 1^st District, Road Safety Caucus Co-Chair and T&I Committee member Chris Pappas (D), was declared the winner of his race this morning.

House Highways and Transit Subcommittee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R) had a strong showing in the race for Illinois’ 13^th District, winning an election many outlets had rated as a “toss-up” going into Election Day.

Iowa Democrat and T&I Committee member Abby Finkenauer was unable to hold onto the state’s 1^st District, losing to State Representative Ashley Hinson.

Here are the results of other races ATSSA has been tracking, as of 3:30 p.m. today. We continue to track them and will provide updates as they are available.

PA-01 – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R) – T&I Committee – WIN

PA-10 – Rep. Scott Perry (R) – T&I Committee – WIN

PA-17 – Rep. Conor Lamb (D) – T&I Committee – WIN

CA-25 – Rep. Mike Garcia (R) – T&I Committee – TOO CLOSE TO CALL

KS-03 – Rep. Sharice Davids (D) – T&I Committee – WIN

AZ-09 – Rep. Greg Stanton (D) – T&I Committee – WIN

FL-26 – Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) – T&I Committee – LOSS

ME- Sen. Susan Collins (R) – THUD Appropriations Chair – WIN

Following are a handful of statewide ballot initiatives ATSSA tracked in the 2020 election:

Arkansas Issue 1: Transportation Sales Tax Continuation Amendment - PASSED

Issue 1 continues permanently a 0.5% sales tax, with revenue dedicated to state and local highways, roads and bridges that would have expired in 2023.

Maine Question 2: Transportation Infrastructure Bond (July 2020) - PASSED

This bond measure passed during the primary election this year as a legislatively referred bond question. The measure authorized $105 million in general obligation bonds for transportation infrastructure projects.

Massachusetts Question 1: "Right to Repair" Initiative - PASSED

Question 1 will require manufacturers that sell motor vehicles equipped with telematics systems to install a standardized open data platform beginning with model year 2022.

Virginia Question 2: Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans Amendment - PASSED

Virginia Question 2 exempts one automobile or pickup truck from state and local property taxes for veterans who have a 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability. The Virginia personal property tax (commonly referred to as a “car tax”) is collected at the county level and used to fund a variety of local projects.

Elsewhere, there were a number of local ballot measures up for a vote yesterday that would aid in funding transportation projects. Voters rejected one in the Portland, Ore., area.

Localities that approved measures include:

• Bend, Ore.
• Middletown, Ohio
• Seattle, Wash.
• Austin, Texas
• Gwinnett County, Ga.
• San Antonio, Texas
• Pflugerville, Texas
• Downs, Ill.
• Arlington, Va.