Oregon Democratic leaders push to move transportation referendum to May
Democratic leaders in the Oregon Legislature want to move a statewide vote on transportation taxes from November to May.
After submitting enough signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, petitioners with the Republican-led No Tax Oregon campaign blocked hikes to the gas tax, vehicle registration and title fees and payroll tax included in a 2025 transportation law from taking effect pending a statewide vote in the November general election — thus delaying $791.2 million in revenue for the Oregon Department of Transportation in the 2025-27 budget cycle.
However, House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene and Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego announced late Wednesday that they will introduce legislation to set the date of the referendum for the statewide primary election on May 19.
“Voters were clear that they want to have a say on this bill, and legislators and our local partners need to know the transportation funding landscape so meaningful conversations can continue,” Wagner said in a statement. “Setting the election date for May achieves both these goals.”
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/22/oregon-democratic-leaders-push-to-move-transportation-referendum-to-may/