LA PINE, Ore. — A recall campaign against Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is officially underway, and for many frustrated Oregonians, it couldn’t come soon enough.
William Minnix, a disabled veteran from La Pine, filed a petition on July 28 to recall the Democratic governor. He’s leading the effort through a new group called Oregon For the People, which has begun organizing signature-gathering events across the state.
In the petition, Minnix accuses Kotek of violating her oath of office and placing the interests of illegal immigrants over the needs of law-abiding Oregonians — including veterans, working families, and crime victims. He also criticizes the governor’s disregard for federal mandates, claiming it’s cost the state valuable funding — only for taxpayers to be hit with higher costs to cover the gap.
Minnix now has until October 27, 2025, to gather 292,933 valid signatures from active registered Oregon voters to get the recall on the ballot.
And while statewide recalls are rare, Kotek’s recent decisions have left many Oregonians feeling ignored and overregulated.
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One of the most controversial laws signed by Kotek this year was House Bill 2982, which expands the definition of what qualifies as a "boat" in Oregon. Beginning January 1, 2026, the new law will require permits for some nonmotorized watercraft, such as certain large inflatables, kayaks, and paddleboards. Critics have argued the law is overly broad, confusing, and yet another hidden fee for enjoying Oregon’s rivers. While single inner tubes remain exempt, many worry enforcement will be unclear and burdensome for families and outdoor recreationists.
Kotek has faced widespread criticism over her handling of Oregon’s homelessness crisis, rising gas prices tied to environmental policy, and fallout from Measure 110, the voter-approved law that decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs. While she ultimately signed a rollback bill in 2024 that reintroduced criminal penalties for possession, many argue the response came too late — after years of increasing overdose deaths and public frustration.
There’s also been pushback on the governor’s push for higher transportation taxes, including fees on delivery services and proposed tolling plans for Portland-area highways — efforts that critics say unfairly burden everyday Oregonians while doing little to solve the state’s core infrastructure problems.
Minnix has been sharing updates on the petition drive via social media, and his message seems to be resonating beyond Central Oregon. Many rural communities across the state feel increasingly disconnected from Salem’s leadership — and the recall could become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction heading into 2026.
Oregon has seen over 100 recall attempts since 2009, but very few have targeted governors — and none have successfully made it to the ballot. Whether Minnix’s effort will be the first remains to be seen.
For those interested in following or supporting the campaign, Oregon For the People continues to post updates and events on its Facebook page.
