SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Supreme Court said Thursday that 10 Republican state senators who staged a record-long walkout last year to stall bills on abortion, transgender health care and gun rights cannot run for reelection.
The decision upholds the secretary of state’s decision to disqualify the senators from the ballot under a voter-approved measure aimed at stopping such boycotts.
Measure 113, passed by voters in 2022, amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from reelection if they have more than 10 unexcused absences.
The senators’ lawsuit was filed against Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, who last August said the boycotting senators were disqualified from seeking reelection.
Oregon voters approved Measure 113 by a wide margin following Republican walkouts in the Legislature in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Persons:
— Sens, Tim Knopp, Daniel Bonham, Suzanne Weber, Dennis Linthicum, Lynn Findley, ”, Knopp, they’ve, LaVonne Griffin, Valade, walkouts
Organizations:
Oregon Supreme, Republican, —
Locations:
SALEM, Ore, Oregon