Rep. Gilliam, Battling ALS, Resigns

Representative Vic Gilliam, who has represented Silverton since 2007, announced his resignation on Monday. Gilliam was diagnosed with ALS - also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease - in 2015.

He informed his constituents of his diagnosis in November of that year. Last year, he faced a brief primary challenge from a candidate who dropped out. Gilliam was re-elected in November.

"I am extremely grateful and honored by the confidence you have placed in me for over a decade," he wrote on his Facebook page. "However, several changes in life show it's time to announce my resignation as your State Representative.

"After prayer, consulting family & friends, I was led to this decision for reasons including fairness to you my constituents."

His replacement will be chosen jointly by commissioners from Clackamas and Marion County. That person will serve for the remainder of his term, which expires in January, 2019.

House Speaker Tina Kotek called Gilliam "a true public servant."

It has been an incredible honor to serve with Representative Vic Gilliam," she said in a statement. "We entered the legislature together in 2007, and he has been the model of a statesman and a true public servant ever since.

"He served his community with honesty and integrity, and he is without a doubt the funniest guy in the Capitol. The Oregon House of Representatives has been privileged to have him as a member."

Gilliam is married with three grown children.

Photo office of Rep. Gilliam.