The Oregon Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Republican state Senators who garnered over 10 unexcused absences during a 2023 walkout are ineligible to run for re-election based on the voter-approved Measure 113.
The Oregon Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a lawsuit filed by Republican state senators who boycotted the Legislature for a record six weeks earlier this year and want to run for reelection despite a voter-approved constitutional amendment aimed at limiting walkouts. The GOP senators, including Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, are challenging the Oregon Secretary of State's interpretation of the amendment. Passed by voters by a wide margin in 2022, Measure 113 amended the state constitution to bar lawmakers from reelection if they have 10 or more unexcused absences.