Daniel Bonham, a businessman from The Dalles, was appointed to the Oregon Legislature on Monday by commissioners of several central Oregon counties.

Bonham, 40, succeed John Huffman, also of The Dalles, who resigned his House seat when President Trump appointed him an important U.S. Department of Agriculture job. Huffman's district spans Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco and Wheeler counties, whose commissioners appoint a replacement if the incumbent resigns.

Bonham and his wife Lorilyn own Maupin's Stoves and Spas, according to incorporation records. The store sells fireplaces, whirlpool spas and swimming pools and patio furnishings, among other products.

In a statement, Bonham said his appointment to the Legislature is "an incredible honor."

"While I know I have big shoes to fill, I believe my desire and passion for helping people in conjunction with my business background will make me an effective leader in Salem," he said.

House Minority Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, said Bonham's experience as a businessman and community leader makes him "a great addition to the Legislature."

Bonham has never held elected office, but he served on The Dalles' city budget committee and a panel overseeing the city's urban renewal funds, according to the House Republican Caucus. He and his wife also revitalized a local high school booster club and raised more than $100,000 for student athletics over a two-year period.

Bonham will finish the remainder of Huffman's term, but must seek election to the Legislature in 2018 to keep his seat.

Several other state lawmakers have already resigned or are due to soon, and county commissioners will select their successors.

Sens. Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, and Richard Devlin, D-Tualatin, will step down because of paid appointments to an outside energy and wildlife council. Hood River Republican Mark Johnson resigned because he got a job leading Oregon's largest business lobbying group. Rep. Jodi Hack, R-Salem, announced last week that she will resign for a job leading the pro-developer nonprofit Oregon Home Builders Association.

Prior to Bonham, the last person appointed to the Legislature was Andrea Salinas, a Democrat. Like Bonham, Salinas, of Lake Oswego, had no previous experience in elected office, but had worked as a lobbyist for years. She replaced Ann Lininger, who had been appointed to a Clackamas County judgeship.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman