By Jim Redden
Oregon voters will likely decide whether to increase transportation-related taxes and fees by $4.3 billion over 10 years at the May 19, 2026, primary election.
On March 11, Marion County Circuit Court judge declined to prevent Democrats in the 2026 Oregon Legislature from moving the ballot measure from the Nov. 3, 2026, general election to the primary election. The increases had been approved with only one Republican vote by the 2025 Oregon Legislature. Republican leaders and other critics mounted a petition drive that successfully referred most of them to November election.
But Democrats in the session that ended on March 6, 2026, passed a bill moving the election to May over Republican objections. Sponsors of the petition drive then filed for a preliminary injunction preventing the move. Senior Judge David Leith denied the injunction, saying the move was legal and the opponents will likely lose if they pursue the case.
The opponents announced they will appeal the ruling anyway, although deadlines are rapidly approaching to file Voter’s Pamphlet pages (due March 12) and print ballots.
“We feel like it is a travesty of justice,” Republican state Rep. Ed Diehl of Scio told the Oregon Capital Chronical after the ruling.
Photo from Oregon Capital Chronicle
Republicans want the measure on the November ballot because that is when Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and other Democrats who supported the increases will be up for election. Democrats argue deciding the question in May will allow more time to adjust ODOT’s budget, depending on the outcome.
Far fewer voters traditionally return ballots at May elections, however, potentially giving the unions and other groups who support the increases a greater chance of passing them in May.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available. Visit northpeninsulareview.com. or other stories on the 2026 Oregon Legislature.
North Peninsula Review coverage of the 2026 Oregon Legislature is supported by a grant from the Lester Viles Foundation.