2 Oregon senators prohibited from reelection running for state offices

Michaela Bourgeois
·2 min read

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two Oregon state senators who are barred from reelection under voter-approved Measure 113 for accruing 10 or more unexcused absences during a legislative walkout are now running for statewide offices in 2024.

Senators Brian Boquist and Dennis Linthicum are running for state Treasurer and Secretary of State, respectively, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Their campaigns come after Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and the state Supreme Court said senators who garnered at least 10 unexcused absences during the Republican-led walkout are ineligible for reelection under Measure 113.

The two senators can seek election for these statewide positions as Measure 113 only bars reelection for state senator and representative roles.

Salem fire chief calls for end to ambulance service amid response time delays

The senators accrued unexcused absences during a Republican-led legislative walkout in May 2023 over “unreadable bills” as the Senate was poised to vote on bills protecting abortion rights and gender-affirming care, and outlawing the sale and manufacture of ghost guns.

Republican Sen. Boquist announced his campaign for state Treasurer on Tuesday, stating, “I am offering my name for State Treasurer because I have a deep understanding of the State of Oregon finances and revenue after years in the citizen legislature. I have honed the ability to speak bluntly and truthfully to Oregonians about where their hard-earned money is going and how the government machine spends it. I want to provide voters a choice in the primary, and as State Treasurer, I would invest in all Oregonians, not just New Yorkers and Wall Street barons.”

Independent Sen. Linthicum filed for the secretary of state’s race on March 12, according to state records.

KOIN 6 News has reached out to Linthicum for comment on his campaign.

The statewide campaigns also come as the U.S. Court of Appeals filed an opinion Feb. 29, finding that Oregon state senators who were deemed ineligible for reelection after accruing 10 or more unexcused absences during the walkout are not protected under the First Amendment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.