By CHRISTINE DRAZAN, State Senator, District 26 —
As I begin my role representing Senate District 26, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this district of hardworking families, neighbors who help one another, and communities who care for each other. I am excited to begin meeting with people across the district to introduce myself and to work together on the unique priorities and challenges we face.
Helping to gather signatures
At the same time, I have been one of the thousands of Oregonians across the state who has been gathering signatures to put the Governor’s gas tax on the ballot. This effort has shown that Oregon families who cannot afford higher costs, are demanding to be heard. During the legislative session, thousands of Oregonians submitted testimony in opposition to the higher taxes and fees, but their concerns were ignored.
After the tax passed, the governor refused to sign the bill in an effort to deny Oregonians their constitutional right to refer this tax to the people. She waited weeks before signing the legislation and then failed to notify the public that she had in fact signed the bill—again disrespecting Oregon voters. Now that the petition to refer the new taxes to the ballot is circulating, initial response has been incredible and is gaining steam every day, with new pop-up locations and more Oregonians signing. This effort is about giving voters—not politicians—the final say. Working together, we will get these taxes on the ballot.
Looking ahead, the legislative session will begin in February 2026. It will be a mad dash, just 35 days from start to finish, with each policymaker eligible to submit two pieces of legislation and the majority of the session focused on rebalancing the state budget. Budgets reflect priorities and this process is an important opportunity to ensure government is efficient, effective and accountable to taxpayers. I hope you will come visit our office in Salem, or email me with your ideas, thoughts, and concerns.
Here to serve you
Our office exists to serve you, and we encourage you to reach out whenever you need assistance or want to share your perspective. Contact us with questions about legislation, navigating state agencies, or understanding programs and services that affect daily life. Your input is essential to making sure our work in Salem reflects the district’s priorities. I look forward to working for you in Salem.
You can reach me at sen.christinedrazan@oregonlegislature.gov, by visiting 900 Court St NE, S-303, Salem, or calling 503-986-1726. ◼︎
Christine Drazan is the State Senator for District 26.