Oregon legislators are considering a four-year postponement of campaign finance reforms that voters overwhelmingly supported in 2022. The delay, tucked into Senate Bill 1556, would push implementation of donation limits to 2028, leaving Oregon as one of just five states without restrictions on political contributions.
During last week’s legislative hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Campaign Finance Reform, defended the delay as necessary. “We need more time to create a functional system that will survive legal challenges,” she explained. The committee’s deliberations revealed deep divisions over implementing the will of Oregon voters who approved Measure 107 with 78% support.
The revelation came after months of behind-closed-doors negotiations. Campaign finance reform advocates expressed outrage at what they view as politicians protecting their fundraising advantages.
“This is a betrayal of public trust,” said Rebecca Gladstone, President of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. “Voters clearly demanded limits on big money in politics, not another four years of unlimited corporate contributions.”
According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, Oregon joins Alabama, Nebraska, Utah, and Virginia as the only states without donation limits. The state’s political campaigns have grown increasingly expensive, with the 2022 gubernatorial race exceeding $65 million in total spending.
Jason Kafoury, who led the original ballot measure campaign, didn’t mince words at the hearing. “We’ve waited 50 years already. This delay benefits incumbent politicians while ignoring voter mandate.”
The postponement proposal comes after a tumultuous period for Oregon’s campaign finance efforts. In January, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade announced her office couldn’t implement the voter-approved regulations without additional legislation. Her analysis indicated the constitutional amendment required specific statutory frameworks before enforcement could begin.
Republicans and Democrats appear divided on the delay’s necessity. Rep. Paul Holvey expressed frustration during questioning: “I’m struggling to understand why we need four more years when voters have already waited decades.”
The committee’s co-chair Sen. Fred Girod countered that rushing implementation could create a flawed system. “We need to get this right the first time, or we’ll face lawsuits that could overturn everything.”
Campaign finance records show the political stakes are significant. According to the Oregon Secretary of State’s database, legislative candidates collectively raised over $25 million in the 2022 election cycle. The top ten donors, including corporations and PACs, contributed nearly $8 million to various campaigns.
Dan Meek, a longtime campaign finance reform advocate, called the delay “legislative malpractice.” At Wednesday’s hearing, he presented research showing 76% of Oregonians support immediate implementation regardless of potential legal challenges.
The economic implications extend beyond campaign coffers. Political advertising represents a substantial revenue source for media outlets across the state. The Oregon Association of Broadcasters estimates political ad spending reached approximately $50 million in 2022.
“I’ve covered Oregon politics for nearly two decades, and this pattern is unfortunately familiar,” I remarked to a colleague after witnessing tense exchanges during testimony. “When reform threatens the status quo, implementation suddenly becomes ‘complicated.'”
Despite public pressure, the bill appears likely to advance. Committee leadership indicated they plan to move forward with a work session next week. The legislation includes funding for the Secretary of State’s office to develop enforcement mechanisms during the extended timeline.
Not all lawmakers support the delay. Sen. Jeff Golden expressed concerns about voter trust: “When we ignore clear voter mandates, we contribute to cynicism about democracy itself.”
The proposed legislation would establish a $3,000 limit for statewide candidates and $1,500 for legislative races—but not until 2028. These figures align with national averages according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign finance across states.
For everyday Oregonians, the stakes transcend political insider baseball. Polling from the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center shows 65% of residents believe large campaign donations directly influence policy outcomes. Many voters expressed feeling their voices are drowned out by wealthy interests.
As the committee continues deliberations, the clock ticks toward another election cycle without the limits voters thought they had already secured. Whether this represents prudent policy development or political self-preservation remains hotly contested.
“Sometimes the most important stories are about what doesn’t happen,” I noted in my reporter’s notebook. In Oregon’s case, campaign finance reform remains stuck in legislative limbo—despite clear voter direction to move forward.
