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Primary Election Updates
By Oregonians for Food and Shelter [6],
This week’s primary election results are in. Notably, Lane County measure 20-373, which would have given legal rights to watersheds and ecosystems, was soundly defeated, 62% to 38%. This win is a direct result of the work and support from OFS staff, members, and partners, and an expertly coordinated campaign. Thank you to everyone who contributed and volunteered to help defeat this measure. We want to give a special shout-out to OFS Lane County Grassroots Coordinator Kate McMichael for her tireless and successful efforts coordinating across the natural resource sector. It is encouraging to see common sense prevail on this issue.
Looking at statewide measures, as expected, the proposed gas tax and other transportation fee increases crashed and burned at the ballot, with around 83% of voters rejecting the proposal. Christine Drazan cruised to victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary, setting up a second general election face-off with Governor Kotek. The two camps are already taking shots at one another: Kotek comparing Drazan to President Trump and Drazan pointing to the state’s continued downward trajectory.
The primary results also delivered some concerning trends. Labor unions and environmental groups unseated incumbent Senator Janine Sollman (SD 15) in western Washington County. Several primaries featured Democratic Socialists, demonstrating that Oregon’s majority party is moving further to the left. Out east, Republican Greg Smith fought off a serious primary challenger who continues to disparage agriculture practices in the region.
As we look toward the general election in November, OFS will work with our members and partners to get to know the candidates who will be vying for decision-making power next year.