Oregon will have campaign finance limits in place in 2027 after Gov. Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4024 into law on Wednesday.
The bill quickly passed both chambers toward the end of the 2024 legislative session, with lawmakers approving it 52-5 in the Oregon House and 22-6 in the Senate. On Wednesday, lawmakers who supported the bill celebrated the governor's signing of the bill, including Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) and House Republican leader Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River).
“This bill is truly a historic achievement,” Fahey said. “This is the culmination of years, if not decades, of work by advocates, campaign professionals, and members of Congress.”
How House Bill 4024 will affect campaign finance in Oregon
Oregon is one of five states with no limits on contributions to political campaigns and one of 11 states with no limits on contributions to individual candidates. Meaningful action on campaign finance has stalled in previous sessions, and a petition has been filed to bring reform to the November ballot. After HB4024 passed, supporters of these ballot initiative efforts said they would withdraw their petitions once the bills were signed into law.
Helfrich said the bill would bring Republicans and Democrats together to find agreement on curbing the unrestricted flow of money into Oregon elections and restore voters' “shaken” faith. He said that it represents that.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in the electoral process,” Helfrich said. “It shouldn’t be just for the rich and powerful.”
The bill would limit individual and corporate contributions to statewide candidates to $3,300 per election cycle, and contributions to political party committees to $30,000. Labor unions and other “membership-based organizations” would be limited to a total of $26,400 in contributions per cycle to candidates across the state.
For nonstate elections for state representatives, senators, circuit court judges, and district attorneys, the limits are the same for individuals and corporations, but member organizations can contribute up to $13,200 and political parties can contribute up to $15,000.
Oregon's Secretary of State will also be required to hire a full-time staff member to provide communications and education about the new law, and to begin disclosing the 100 largest donors to candidates and election committees starting in 2028. .
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek: Law 'strengthens transparency and trust'
Also speaking at the bill signing was Kate Titus, executive director of Common Cause Oregon. Angela Wilhelms, President and CEO of Oregon Business and Industry. and Reina Lopez, executive director of PCUN.
“I truly believe that the bill and new law we passed will strengthen the transparency and trust in Oregon elections,” Kotek said.
Diane Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Contact us at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com. or on X @DianneLago
