SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Supreme Court has made a ruling that 10 GOP state senators will not be eligible for reelection, a decision that stemmed from their refusal to attend Senate sessions for approximately six weeks in protest last year. The senators’ absence was in an effort to obstruct Democratic-backed bills, which resulted in the longest obstruction in the state’s history and prevented voting during the session.
The court’s decision was based on a secretary of state’s ruling to bar the lawmakers from the 2024 ballot, citing a 2022 referendum that disqualifies legislators from seeking reelection if they have more than 10 unexcused absences. The six-week boycott of the session created significant disruptions and made it impossible for the Senate to reach a quorum to conduct votes, as the lawmakers demanded legislative concessions for their return.
Despite the Republicans holding a minority in the state Senate, their walkout had a substantial impact on the Senate’s ability to function. The lawmakers contested the secretary of state’s decision, arguing that the wording of the 2022 referendum should allow them one more term before being barred from office. However, the court’s decision upheld the secretary of state’s ruling, emphasizing the referendum’s specific language regarding the election ban.
The ballot referendum, which passed by a significant margin, came after similar GOP walkouts in previous years. In response to the court’s ruling, state Sen. Tim Knopp, the chamber’s Republican minority leader, expressed disagreement and concern about the potential chilling impact on dissent. These developments have underscored the deep divide and contentious atmosphere in Oregon’s political landscape, as both parties continue to grapple with the implications of the decision.