Oregon Lawmakers Clash Over Immigration, Taxes in Short Session

Dueling priorities between Democrats and Republicans as 35-day legislative session begins

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:15am

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Oregon lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session with a clear divide between Democrats and Republicans over how to address issues like immigration, taxes, and transportation funding. Democrats plan to introduce an "immigrant justice package" to protect immigrant rights, while Republicans aim to focus on affordability, public safety, and education. The session will also feature a fight over a Republican-led effort to repeal last year's transportation tax and fee increases.

Why it matters

The short 35-day legislative session in Oregon will be marked by partisan clashes over key issues like immigration and taxes, with the outcome impacting the state's policies and budget. The session also comes as Oregon prepares for a heated gubernatorial race, adding an extra layer of political dynamics.

The details

Democratic lawmakers plan to introduce bills to protect immigrant data privacy, allow lawsuits against federal immigration agents, and require schools to notify parents of immigration enforcement near campuses. Republicans, meanwhile, want to repeal a law allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits and create new tax credits and home buyer initiatives. The session will also feature a fight over moving up a referendum to repeal last year's transportation tax and fee increases, which could spark opposition from GOP lawmakers and referendum organizers.

  • The 2026 Oregon legislative session began on February 2, 2026.
  • Lawmakers have two weeks to move their bills out of policy committees and onto their chamber's floor.
  • The updated state revenue forecast will be released on February 4, 2026, providing a clearer picture of the state's budget needs.

The players

Sara Gelser Blouin

A Democratic state senator from Corvallis who spoke on the Senate floor about the need to address the "attack" on American ideals.

Bruce Starr

The Republican state Senate Minority Leader from Dundee who struck a different tone, saying people want to see signs lawmakers have heard their concerns about affordability and safety.

Julie Fahey

The Democratic Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives from Eugene who urged lawmakers to work on improving the cost of living and insulate the state from federal government actions.

Ed Diehl

A prominent Republican state representative from Scio who is running for governor and is challenging a rule that prohibits lawmakers from fundraising during the legislative session.

Christine Drazan

A Republican state senator from Canby who was appointed to fill a vacant seat and is also running for governor. She called on lawmakers to respect the will of Oregon voters regarding the successful Republican-led anti-tax referendum campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Colleagues, we have work to do here in Oregon, but we also have to think about that national anthem that we heard just now. That flag is still flying above the ramparts. It's a promise. It's an ideal that we haven't met yet, and it is absolutely under attack.”

— Sara Gelser Blouin, Democratic state senator

“People aren't looking for speeches or slogans. They're looking for signs that we've heard them at the grocery store, at the gas pump, around the kitchen table when the bills come due. They're asking some very basic questions: Can I afford to stay in my home? Can my kids get a good education? Can I feel safe in my community?”

— Bruce Starr, Republican state Senate Minority Leader

“This is about denying citizens their constitutional rights to support the candidate that they want.”

— Ed Diehl, Republican state representative

“I hope that we can refrain throughout this session from engaging in issues which are outside the direct benefit to Oregonians. And I also hope that we will respect the will of Oregonians themselves and the processes which they engage with us under. That our rules would be sacrosanct, that they would be honored in spirit, and not just by the letter of the rule.”

— Christine Drazan, Republican state senator

What’s next

Lawmakers have until February 25 to include an emergency clause and have Governor Tina Kotek sign a bill that would move the Republican-led anti-tax referendum from the November 2026 ballot to the May 19 primary election.

The takeaway

The partisan divides in Oregon's short legislative session highlight the political tensions in the state, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over key issues like immigration and taxes. The outcome of these battles could have significant impacts on Oregon's policies and budget, as well as the upcoming gubernatorial race.