Calls for Senator Gorsek to be censured

By In the news
In: Uncategorized
Monday June 23, 2025

HOUSE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR SEN. GORSEK TO BE CENSURED,
 REMOVED FROM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
BLAST SENATE PRESIDENT WAGNER FOR INACTION
By Oregon House Republican Caucus,
SALEM, Ore. – During a legislative work session in the Joint Committee on Transportation last Friday, Co-Vice Chair Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) was singled out and aggressively shouted down on multiple occasions by Co-Chair Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham).
House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) issued the following statement, calling for Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) to immediately remove Senator Gorsek from all his committee assignments and implement additional accountability measures to restore a safe and respectful workplace:
“Today House Republicans stand united with our colleague, Representative Boshart Davis, who was the target of Senator Gorsek’s repeated aggressive outbursts in committee last week. Prior to Representative Boshart Davis’s comments, multiple men on the committee spoke in opposition to HB 2025, but Senator Gorsek’s out-of-control shouting and aggressive behavior was directed solely towards Representative Boshart Davis.
Senator Gorsek has a documented pattern of bullying, harassing, and intimidating female legislators who speak up and express opinions that differ from his. This behavior is not only abusive, it weakens our democratic institutions and has no place in our Capitol.
 
Senate President Rob Wagner’s shameful silence, failure to respond, and inaction has engendered a culture of intimidation and misogyny—both on the dais and off.
Senator Gorsek’s actions must not be ignored. I call on Senate President Wagner to stand with us to demand personal responsibility and accountability for the harm Senator Gorsek’s repeated behavior has caused to this institution. Senator Wagner must use his power to address this issue immediately.”
House Republicans recommend that all the following restorative measures be implemented by Senate President Wagner:
  • Remove Senator Gorsek immediately from all committee assignments through the Interim
  • Lead a formal vote to censure Senator Gorsek on the Senate Floor
  • Require a building-wide notification when Senator Gorsek is expected to be in the Capitol
  • Mandate workplace harassment and anger management training
  • Demand an apology for his harmful actions
As of the time of this release, Senator Gorsek has remained defiant and has failed to acknowledge his failings or apologize for his actions. Senate President Wagner has not returned repeated messages or taken any actions necessary to hold his member accountable and protect the dignity of the Legislature and the safety of those who serve here.
Following Friday’s Work Session, Representative Boshart Davis filed a formal complaint against Senator Gorsek for violating the Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27: Safe, Respectful and Inclusive Workplace.
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