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Oregon Voters Reject $300 M Transport Tax, Gap Looms

5/21/2026

47 7 Full Breakdown

Center

Oregonians Reject Measure120

Measure 120, a transportation package that would have raised the gas tax, vehicle fees and a payroll tax, was soundly defeated.
About 83% of Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 in the May 19, 2026 primary, while roughly 17% voted yes.
Democratic-led legislature approved the measure in September after Republicans submitted over 200,000 signatures.
Oregon DOT warned loss creates a $300 million gap that could cause layoffs and delayed repairs.

Left

Republicans Push Repeal

Republicans gathered more than three times the required signatures to place a gas-tax repeal referendum on Oregon’s ballot.
Oregon voters will decide a referendum to repeal the 2025 gas-tax increase and added fees.
2025 law lifted gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon and added fees.
Gov. Tina Kotek plans 2027 funding package while President Donald Trump pushes suspending gas tax.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Center coverage noted ODOT officials warning that Measure 120’s defeat leaves a $300 million budget gap that could cause layoffs and delayed road work, which Left coverage omitted.
Center coverage reported the 83 % “no” vote on Measure 120, while Left coverage only mentioned signature gathering and did not include the referendum’s result.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton’s 1993 gasoline tax hike added 4.3 cents per gallon, generating $1.5 billion annually and remaining unadjusted since the tax’s 1932 start. Declining real value spurred the 2009 National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission to propose a 10-cent increase. Oregon’s May 2026 defeat of Measure 120, backed by Governor Tina Kotek, left ODOT with a $300 million shortfall, reviving the financing debate.

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Oregonians Reject Measure120

Measure 120, a transportation package that would have raised the gas tax, vehicle fees and a payroll tax, was soundly defeated.
About 83% of Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 in the May 19, 2026 primary, while roughly 17% voted yes.
Democratic-led legislature approved the measure in September after Republicans submitted over 200,000 signatures.
Oregon DOT warned loss creates a $300 million gap that could cause layoffs and delayed repairs.

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