A formal petition (SEL 350), to recall Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, was officially recorded by the Oregon Elections Division on July 27, 2025. The petition cites allegations of failed leadership and violations of her oath of office. The petition, filed by William Minnix of La Pine, accuses Governor Kotek of prioritizing the interests of undocumented immigrants over law-abiding Oregonians and claims that her administration has neglected key constituencies such as veterans, low-income families, and victims of crime.

Minnix, who is a disabled veteran, in his official statement, argues that Kotek’s policies have created a burden for Oregonians by failing to comply with presidential executive orders, and contributing to the loss of federal funding. He claims the governor’s refusal to enforce federal mandates forces Oregon taxpayers to makeup for funding shortfalls, thereby contributing to financial instability within the state. The petition asserts that this ongoing behavior reflects an abuse of gubernatorial power and a failure to uphold constitutional obligations.

The petition states that no paid circulators will be involved in collecting signatures, indicating it will be a grassroots-style campaign led by volunteer efforts. Under Oregon law, they will have 90 days to gather over 280,000 valid signatures from registered voters. The probability has turned in favor of a recall in the last 20 years. Less than 50% of Oregonians think the state is headed in the right direction. The NIV registered voters, which now exceeds both major parties, only recorded 30% that think the state is headed in the right direction.

Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat who took office in January 2023, followed Governor Kate Brown as one of the top three worst governors in 50 States. Her failed priorities has been at the center of several high-profile policy debates, including housing, homelessness, and public safety. Even though the state has shown improvement after the pandemic, it couldn't go much lower and was virtually a bounce-off the bottom when Oregonians were freed from pandemic mandates.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The state of Oregon has attempted multiple recall efforts against public officials, but successful recalls involving statewide elected officials is rare due to the rigorous signature requirements and time constraints. With less than 50% supporting the state's direction, this filing indicates ongoing dissatisfaction and underscores the continued polarization surrounding immigration policy and state-federal relations.

This is not Kotek's first brush with a formal workplace complaint. In 2019, during her tenure as House Speaker, a complaint filed by former state representative Diego Hernandez, alleged that Kotek used political pressure and threats, though the investigating attorney concluded her actions did not violate legislative workplace rules. It was investigated and discussed in a legislative committee hearing in October 2022. This matter drew significant scrutiny but did not constitute a recall effort.

The next steps in the recall process will be to see if the grassroots can gain enough momentum to advance to the ballot. A signature-gathering rally will take place August 29 in combinations with the protest to the Special Sessions. Kotek aims to push through an unpopular ODOT funding Bill, which has the potential to inspire volunteers.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-07-31 16:09:02

Last Update: 2025-07-30 22:51:39