The 1st Congressional District elected a Republican when it was created in 1893 but soon showed a maverick streak. The congressional seat stayed in Republican hands, though, until 1974, when voters disgusted by Watergate elected AuCoin. The Democrat won eight more terms because the GOP kept running candidates against him who didn't quite satisfy moderate Republicans. It's not just high tech. It's their overall education level and economic status.
High tech magnifies the phenomenon, but it's always been there.
Priest isn't like Bible-Belt Republicans, and he doesn't care much about their social agenda. He doesn't think government has any business legislating abortion. Although the staunchly pro-life Bordonaro holds a different view, it probably won't move Priest to cross party lines. That kind of allegiance is crucial to Bordonaro. The 1st Congressional District stretches from the west side of Portland to fishing docks in Astoria.