Nike founder Phil Knight has made his largest political contribution ever to Oregon Republicans with a 3 million dollar donation to the Bring Balance to Salem PAC on October 22 according to campaign finance filings. The PAC is focused on helping Republicans gain seats in the Oregon Legislature where Democrats currently hold supermajorities in both chambers.
Knight, who is worth more than 31 billion dollars according to Forbes, has become increasingly vocal in his frustration with the direction of Oregon under Governor Tina Kotek. According to the most recent quarterly tracker from Morning Consult, Kotek is ranked among the very least-popular governors in the U.S., with a net approval rating of just 8 % in her home state. Her recent decision to push through significant tax hikes without any direct say or vote from Oregonians has fueled even more criticism — especially at a time when residents are already struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
The 3 million dollar donation was first reported by Willamette Week after showing up in a new filing with the Oregon Secretary of State. The contribution surpasses Knight’s earlier donations to the same PAC which included 2 million dollars in 2023 and 2024 and 1 million dollars in 2022. With the newest donation Bring Balance to Salem now holds 3.93 million dollars in cash on hand making it one of the most financially influential political groups in Oregon heading into upcoming races.
Knight who is Oregon’s richest resident has a long history of political giving but has become increasingly willing to support Republican candidates in recent years. He previously gave 3.75 million dollars to independent candidate Betsy Johnson during the 2022 governor’s race before shifting his support to Republican Christine Drazan when Johnson began trailing. He also contributed 1 million dollars to help Drazan in the final stretch of that race.
Knight rarely speaks to the media but told the New York Times in 2022 that he was determined to prevent Kotek from becoming governor citing what he viewed as the state’s sharp move to the political left. Despite his efforts Kotek ultimately won the election and her tenure has since been marked by low approval numbers and growing voter dissatisfaction.
Knight may continue to play a major role in Oregon politics as the 2026 governor’s race approaches. Christine Drazan has already announced her intention to challenge Kotek and Knight could once again throw his support behind her.
