Oregon Lawmaker Faces Conduct Complaint Over Alleged Intimidation

Rep. Jason Kropf accused of creating hostile environment during gun policy debate

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A conduct complaint has been filed against Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, alleging he created a hostile environment and intimidated a colleague, Rep. Thủy Trần, D-Portland, during a committee session on a gun policy bill. The complaint claims Kropf pressured Trần to change her vote on an amendment, which she did after a private conversation with Kropf.

Why it matters

The incident highlights tensions within the Oregon legislature over gun policy and raises questions about the appropriate conduct of lawmakers, particularly committee chairs, when navigating divisive issues.

The details

The alleged incident occurred during a House Judiciary Committee work session for House Bill 4145, which seeks to modify the firearm permit provisions of Ballot Measure 114. After Trần initially voted "no" on a proposed amendment, Kropf called an immediate recess and spoke with her privately for nearly 20 minutes. When the committee reconvened, Trần changed her vote to "yes," which allowed the measure to pass and advance out of the committee.

  • The incident occurred on February 16, 2026 during a House Judiciary Committee work session.
  • The conduct complaint was filed on February 16, 2026 by a private citizen, Derek LeBlanc, who was present for the work session.

The players

Rep. Jason Kropf

A Democratic state representative from Bend, Oregon who serves as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

Rep. Thủy Trần

A Democratic state representative from Portland, Oregon who was allegedly intimidated by Kropf during the committee session.

Derek LeBlanc

A private citizen who filed the formal conduct complaint against Kropf with the Legislative Equity Office after witnessing the interaction from the gallery.

Rep. Alek Skarlatos

A Republican state representative from Winston, Oregon who criticized the behavior of pulling a member out of a committee to change a vote.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what was said specifically. All I can read is obviously her body language as she came back into the room. She was visibly distraught. She looked like she was shaking.”

— Derek LeBlanc, Private Citizen (KTVZ)

“Upon reflection, it created a hostile working environment to me, staff, advocates and the public. There were no tears, though the meeting caused stress for many in the room, not just me.”

— Rep. Thủy Trần (OregonLive/The Oregonian)

“I have a great deal of respect for Democratic Rep. Kropf of Bend, but his management of events made for a less than ideal situation during a Monday meeting.”

— Rep. Thủy Trần (OregonLive/The Oregonian)

“It's natural that tensions run high in this building: we're doing important, detailed work that will affect all of our fellow Oregonians for years to come and we're doing it on a very public stage.”

— Rep. Jason Kropf (KTVZ)

“Everyone's vote is sacred and such actions go against the principles of a republic.”

— Rep. Alek Skarlatos (KTVZ)

What’s next

The Legislative Equity Office is currently reviewing the conduct complaint filed against Rep. Kropf. Investigations conducted by the office are generally confidential under legislative rules. House Bill 4145, the gun policy measure at the center of the incident, is now scheduled to move to the House floor for further consideration.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense political climate surrounding gun policy debates in Oregon and the need for lawmakers to maintain professional conduct, even when navigating highly contentious issues. It raises questions about the appropriate role of committee chairs in influencing votes and the importance of protecting the integrity of the legislative process.