Eugene Chamber Launches Political Action Committee

New PAC aims to influence local elections and issues in Oregon city.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:24pm by

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the fast-paced energy and high stakes of local political campaigns.The Eugene Chamber's new political action committee aims to exert greater influence over the city's local elections and policy priorities.Eugene Today

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has formed a new Political Action Committee (PAC) and has already started contributing funds to local election campaigns in the lead-up to the May primary elections. The chamber says it wants to be more engaged in shaping the community's priorities around economic development, housing, public safety, and long-term stability.

Why it matters

The creation of the chamber's PAC signals a more active role for the business community in Eugene's local politics. As a major economic driver in the region, the chamber's political involvement could sway the outcomes of key races and issues on the ballot.

The details

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has established a new Political Action Committee to fund contributions to candidates and causes aligned with the chamber's policy priorities. The PAC has already begun making donations to local election campaigns ahead of the May primary elections.

  • The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce launched its new PAC in April 2026.
  • The PAC has started making political contributions in the lead-up to the May 2026 primary elections.

The players

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

A nonprofit organization representing the business interests of the Eugene, Oregon metropolitan area.

Kaarin Knudson

The newly elected mayor of Eugene, Oregon.

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What’s next

The chamber's PAC is expected to continue making political contributions leading up to the May 2026 primary elections in Eugene.

The takeaway

The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce's decision to form a PAC signals a more assertive role for the local business community in shaping the political landscape of Eugene. This move could have significant implications for how key issues like economic development, housing, and public safety are addressed by city leaders.