Lawmakers in Salem are sharply divided after the Oregon House of Representatives voted Monday to move a statewide transportation tax referendum from the November general election to the May primary.
The House passed Senate Bill 1599 in a 31-20 vote. The Oregon State Senate approved the measure Feb. 23. The bill now heads to Gov. Tina Kotek, who is expected to sign it.
If signed, the law will place Referendum Petition 2026-302 on the May 19, 2026 ballot. Voters will decide whether to uphold transportation revenue measures passed in 2025 to fund road maintenance, construction, operations and emergency response.
Supporters: Sooner Vote Helps Budget Planning
Democratic lawmakers argued that moving the vote to May gives Oregonians an earlier opportunity to weigh in and provides clarity for state and local transportation budgets.
Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis, said the change ensures eligible voters will receive ballots sooner and helps the Oregon Department of Transportation and local governments begin summer budget planning.
House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-West Eugene & Veneta, thanked Secretary of State Tobias Read and his office for preparing for the accelerated timeline.
Rep. Susan McLain, D-Hillsboro, said further delays would leave transportation funding in limbo.
Republicans Call Move ‘Political’
Republicans strongly opposed the bill, arguing it changes the rules after the referendum was already certified for November.
Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, criticized the measure as political maneuvering aimed at influencing turnout. Several House Republicans staged a walkout during a lunch break in protest, receiving unexcused absences.
House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, said the move disregards the more than 250,000 Oregonians who signed petitions to place the referendum on the ballot. She warned that Republicans may challenge the change in court.
Rep. Ed Diehl, a gubernatorial candidate and co-chief petitioner of the referendum, urged Kotek to veto the bill, calling it disrespectful to voters who gathered signatures.
The debate underscores deep partisan divisions over transportation funding and election timing, with a potential legal battle looming if the governor signs the measure into law.
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