Oregon Residents Revolt Against Gas Tax Hike

Referendum organizers quickly gather enough signatures to put the $4.3 billion tax package on the ballot

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprising turn of events, Oregon residents have risen up against a new $4.3 billion gas tax and vehicle registration fee hike passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Kotek. Referendum organizers, including those who gathered signatures in cities like Sweet Home and Lebanon, were able to quickly collect over 250,000 signatures to qualify the tax package for the ballot, rattling the state's Democratic leadership which has held a supermajority for years.

Why it matters

The successful referendum effort highlights growing discontent among Oregonians over the state's high tax burden, which has risen significantly in recent years due to measures like the Corporate Activity Tax. With businesses leaving the state and Oregon ranking near the bottom nationally in areas like education and cost of living, the gas tax hike appears to have been the final straw for many residents frustrated with the state government's policies.

The details

The gas tax package, signed into law in November 2025, raised the state gas tax by 6 cents per gallon and substantially increased vehicle registration fees. It was seen as a victory for Governor Kotek and the Democratic-controlled legislature. However, referendum organizers were able to quickly gather over 250,000 signatures, easily qualifying the tax hike for the ballot and forcing a public vote.

  • In the spring of 2025, the gas tax package failed to pass the legislature before the end of the session.
  • In the fall of 2025, Governor Kotek called a special legislative session to pass the $4.3 billion tax package, which she then signed into law in November.
  • Within a few weeks, referendum organizers had collected enough signatures to qualify the tax hike for the ballot.

The players

Governor Tina Kotek

The Democratic governor of Oregon who signed the $4.3 billion gas tax and vehicle registration fee hike into law in November 2025.

Referendum organizers

A group of Oregon residents, including those who gathered signatures in cities like Sweet Home and Lebanon, who were able to quickly collect over 250,000 signatures to qualify the tax package for the ballot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.