Twelve Oregon Republicans skipped a session, blocking a vote on a gas tax bill needed for the May primary.

Twelve Oregon Republican senators skipped a floor session on February 19, 2026, denying the Senate a quorum and halting legislative business ahead of a vote on Senate Bill 1599, a transportation funding bill that would raise gas taxes. The walkout, linked to disputes over the bill’s timing and a Republican campaign to place the tax issue on the November ballot, echoes past GOP-led absences. The bill must be passed by February 25 to appear on the May 19 primary ballot. Senate President Rob Wagner said the chamber would reconvene Thursday. No official explanation was given, though Republican leaders declined to comment.