PORTLAND, Ore. — In the lead-up to the midterm elections, Democrats are strategically appealing to voters’ concerns regarding the rising cost of living. However, a primary ballot question in Oregon complicates their messaging. Last fall, the Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the state gas tax and various fees to fund road improvements and address a deficit in the state's transportation budget.
In response, Republicans initiated a petition to repeal these tax increases, resulting in a referendum that will appear on the May 19 primary ballot. This comes at a time when gas prices are soaring nationally due to the ongoing war with Iran, instigated by Israel and former President Donald Trump. The increase has led gas prices to surpass $4.50 per gallon nationally, with Oregon's prices averaging about 80 cents more.
Jeanine Holly, a Portland resident, expressed her discontent, stating, "It is a hell of a time to be raising gas taxes on people." This referendum not only addresses a financially burdensome issue for voters but also emerges amidst widespread dissatisfaction with high living costs for essentials like housing and groceries. Nationally, Democrats are facing similar affordability concerns, which were pivotal in Trump’s victory in 2024. Some Democratic candidates have even proposed tax cuts to counter the traditional Republican narrative.
Political experts, including Chris Koski, a professor at Reed College in Portland, remarked on the precarious timing for a gas tax increase. Republicans quickly capitalized on this sentiment, gathering 250,000 signatures—well beyond the 78,000 required—to qualify the referendum for the ballot.
Rebecca Tweed, a Republican strategist, noted the significance of this momentum, asserting that Democrats' tax and fee increases only exacerbate the financial strain on Oregonians. GOP state Senator Bruce Starr underscored the public sentiment against paying more, reinforcing that "everything they're looking at is expensive." According to the legislation, Oregon's gas tax is set to increase from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon, positioning it among the highest in the nation.
Amid this climate, Michael Burch, a 76-year-old retiree, reported that filling his truck has become increasingly expensive, now costing him $80 for just over half a tank. Another resident, 30-year-old Hannah Coe, expressed ambivalence about how she would vote on the gas tax repeal but acknowledged the need for road repairs.
Oregon Democrats have defended the tax increase as necessary for maintaining infrastructure, despite recognizing the unfavorable timing of the referendum. Governor Tina Kotek pointed to the impact of the Iran war as a primary driver of soaring gas prices, calling for potential federal intervention, such as reducing the federal gas tax to alleviate pressure on consumers.
Some residents, like 68-year-old Kurt Borneman, support the gas tax increase, understanding the need for improved infrastructure despite higher out-of-pocket expenses. Democratic state Representative Paul Evans reflected on the framing of the gas tax increase to the public, emphasizing that the focus shifted to the price rather than the value derived from the services that would be funded.
The Democrats’ struggle with this issue highlights the challenges inherent in addressing public sentiment surrounding tax increases, especially under current economic pressures exacerbated by external geopolitical events. The upcoming referendum will test whether voters align more with the narrative of necessary funding for essential services or with the immediate desire to reduce taxes in an already challenging economic landscape.
