Wingard v. Or. Family Council, Inc.

*546*520Plaintiff, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2016 primary election for state representative, brought this action alleging that, during that campaign, defendants published false statements about plaintiff's prior sexual relationship with a legislative aide. Plaintiff alleged claims for common-law defamation and for violation of ORS 260.532 (prohibiting certain false publications concerning a candidate). In response, defendants filed a special motion to strike under ORS 31.150, the "anti-SLAPP" statute. The trial court entered a limited judgment denying the motion, and defendants appeal.

Defen…