Sen. Starr: Our results, our battles for accountability this Session

Oregon Senate Republicans Deliver Results, Fight for Accountability During 2026 Short Session

Democrats Largely Delivered the Status Quo
By Oregon Senate Republican Office,

SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republicans listened to the message Oregonians made crystal clear ahead of the 2026 short legislative session: voters want accountability, affordability, and a state government that delivers results. Meanwhile, the Democrat supermajority largely doubled down on the same agenda that has contributed to rising costs and declining outcomes the state faces.

This session, Republicans passed bills protecting Second Amendment rights by delaying Measure 114 and removing burdensome gun regulations in the original proposal. They helped families affected by disasters rebuild faster by cutting red tape, supported rural housing development by opening more land for homes in low-density counties, protected family farms, gave communities more flexibility with tourism revenue, and reformed the state’s wrongful conviction system.

Senate Republicans secured over $53 million for community infrastructure projects across Republican districts, $5 million for horse racing in five counties, $2.1 million to acquire 200 acres including Abiqua Falls, and strong financial protections for Portland city and county governments in the plan to modernize the Moda Center. Senate Republicans also forced Democrats to work across party lines to balance ODOT’s budget using existing resources, as Republicans have long advocated for.

Senate Republicans worked to advance proposals to prohibit needle distribution near schools, restore classroom discipline and graduation standards, ensure noncitizen convicted felons aren’t released back onto Oregon streets, and reduce the cost of building affordable housing and child care facilities. All those proposals were blocked by the Democrat supermajority.

Meanwhile, Democrats advanced legislation moving the state in the wrong direction, including SB 1507, a $311 million tax increase on businesses, farmers, and manufacturers, and SB 1599, which rigs the referendum election process by moving the election from November 2026 to May 2026. Senate Republicans stood with taxpayers every step of the way, showcasing who prioritizes affordability and who does the opposite.

“Oregonians made their frustration with the status quo unmistakably clear before this session even began,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R–Dundee). “While we were able to make meaningful progress on several fronts, the reality of one-party control meant too many common-sense solutions were ignored. Senate Republicans will continue listening to voters and fighting for accountability, affordability, and better results for the people of Oregon.”