Oregon Voters Overwhelmingly Said Yes to Limiting Money in Politics. Then Politicians Had Their Say.

Oregon lawmakers passed legislation in March that campaign reform advocates say creates major loopholes in the state's new campaign finance limits, including allowing companies to bypass donation caps through corporate affiliates and effectively doubling some contribution limits from $5,000 per election cycle to $5,000 per year. The changes came after 78% of Oregon voters approved a 2020 ballot measure allowing contribution limits, but lawmakers waited until 2024 to set caps at $3,300 per individual donation—well above the $1,000-$2,000 range reform groups wanted. The bill now sits on Governor Tina Kotek's desk with an April 17 deadline for her decision.