# Paul Holvey

Paul Richard Holvey (born January 11, 1954) is an American politician who represented District 8 of the Oregon House of Representatives from 2004 until 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as Speaker pro tempore of the house from 2017 until his retirement in 2025.

## Early career and education

Holvey began his career as an apprentice in the carpentry industry, which led him into later becoming a journeyman in the carpenters union. As a carpenter, foreman, and project superintendent, Holvey has worked in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska. Holvey attended Lane Community College and Central Washington University, and received a certificate from the University of Oregon's Labor Education and Research Center.

## Oregon House

Holvey was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives in January 2004, to replace Floyd Prozanski, who had resigned to accept an appointment to a seat in the state Senate. He was elected to the seat in November 2004.
On October 3, 2023, Holvey faced a recall election; the effort was spearheaded by a local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers union and was defeated by a large margin.
On February 29, 2024, Holvey announced his retirement after 20 years representing the 8th district.

## Family

Holvey and his wife Terrie reside in south Eugene along with their three Yorkshire Terriers. He also has a son, Justin, and daughter in-law, Carla.

## Electoral history

2004 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R. Holvey | 22,595 | 71.3 |
| | Republican | Bill Young | 8,999 | 28.4 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 75 | 0.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 31,669 | 100% |
2006 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R. Holvey | 18,481 | 77.0 |
| | Republican | Andrew Hill | 5,460 | 22.7 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 63 | 0.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,004 | 100% |
2008 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 23,366 | 98.0 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 483 | 2.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 23,849 | 100% |
2010 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 17,715 | 72.8 |
| | Republican | Simone Gordon | 6,581 | 27.0 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 51 | 0.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,347 | 100% |
2012 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 21,681 | 70.6 |
| | Republican | Aaron Baker | 8,014 | 26.1 |
| | Constitution | Lucian Blansett | 946 | 3.1 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 54 | 0.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 30,695 | 100% |
2014 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 19,202 | 96.6 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 674 | 3.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 19,876 | 100% |
2016 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 24,300 | 69.3 |
| | Republican | Mary M Tucker | 9,244 | 26.4 |
| | Libertarian | Martha Sherwood | 1,434 | 4.1 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 80 | 0.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 35,058 | 100% |
2018 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 25,835 | 79.8 |
| | Libertarian | Martha Sherwood | 6,310 | 19.5 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 210 | 0.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 32,355 | 100% |
2020 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 27,886 | 67.7 |
| | Republican | Timothy W Aldal | 11,993 | 29.1 |
| | Libertarian | Martha A Sherwood | 1,239 | 3.0 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 76 | 0.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 41,194 | 100% |
2022 Oregon State Representative, 8th district :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul R Holvey | 24,696 | 84.7 |
| | Republican | Michael F Moore | 4,376 | 15.0 |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 75 | 0.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 29,147 | 100% |