A Republican-backed group has submitted nearly 200,000 signatures to Oregon election officials, a move that appears likely to block a recently approved gas tax increase and force the issue onto the 2026 ballot.
The group, No Tax Oregon, turned in the signatures Friday to the Secretary of State’s office, more than double the amount required to qualify a referendum. If validated, the action would stop a 6-cent gas tax hike passed during a special legislative session earlier this year, preventing it from taking effect in January and handing the final decision to voters.
Supporters of the effort say the signature count sends a clear message that Oregonians want a say before being hit with another tax.
“With nearly 200,000 signatures, this is the public saying enough,” said Jason Williams, the group’s chief petitioner. “If lawmakers want higher taxes, they should be willing to let voters decide.”
State leaders, however, have responded with warnings of immediate fallout. The Governor’s office says emergency transportation funding tied to the tax increase would be suspended if the referendum moves forward, potentially opening a large budget gap at the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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An internal memo from August claims ODOT could eliminate around 200 maintenance positions and leave roughly 170 vacant jobs unfilled without the new revenue. Officials also warn of sweeping reductions to winter road maintenance, including lower service levels on nearly every state highway.
Notably, the projections assume no alternative funding solutions. Critics of the tax argue lawmakers created the funding crisis themselves by tying essential services to a politically unpopular tax increase, while leaving other budget options off the table.
Service maps released by the Governor’s office show that none of the 3,400 miles of highway previously classified as top priority would retain that status under the proposed cuts. Reduced service would mean limited overnight work and restricted overtime, even on major routes, a scenario state leaders say could affect safety during winter storms.
Supporters of the referendum counter that voters are not responsible for legislative budget choices and that road maintenance could be maintained through reprioritization or general fund dollars if state leaders chose to do so.
The Secretary of State’s office will now verify the signatures. If enough are confirmed, the gas tax increase will be put on hold, and Oregon voters will decide in November 2026 whether the tax moves forward or is permanently rejected.
