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Oregon lawmakers pass bill authorizing governor to fill US Senate vacancies

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7 months ago

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Oregon lawmakers pass bill authorizing governor to fill US Senate vacancies


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  • The Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 952 on June 3, which would allow the governor to appoint a replacement for a vacant U.S. Senate seat.
  • The bill requires the governor to appoint someone of the same political party as the previous senator within 30 days and a special election within 150 days of the vacancy.
  • Supporters say the bill ensures Oregon has full representation, but opponents argue it diminishes voters’ power.

The Oregon Legislature passed a bill on June 3 that would allow the governor of Oregon to appoint a U.S. senator to represent the state temporarily in the event of a vacancy.

Under current state law, vacancies in the U.S. Senate are filled by a special election, and the seat remains empty until the special election is held.

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If Kotek signs Senate Bill 952, Oregon would become the 47th state to grant the governor the authority to fill a vacancy. North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin do not allow temporary appointments before a special election is held, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

SB 952 would require the governor to appoint within 30 days of a vacancy an individual qualified to hold office who is affiliated with the same political party as the previous senator.

A special election would be required within 150 days of the vacancy.

SB 952 passed by a vote of 31-24 on June 3 in the Oregon House and passed on a 16-13 vote in the Oregon Senate on April 28.

Why advocates for Oregon Senate Bill 952 say it is necessary

“Senate Bill 952A is a safeguard,” said Rep. Hai Pham, D-Hillsboro. “It ensures that Oregonians are always represented and never left without a voice in the U.S. Senate during critical moments.”

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Oregon U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley submitted letters in support of SB 952. Wyden stated in his testimony that collaboration between two senators is crucial to making the state a better place to work and live.

“Oregonians would have only half a voice in the U.S. Senate if our state lacked a senator because of death or injury for a prolonged period. And that in turn could hurt our state significantly,” Wyden wrote.

Merkley echoed Wyden’s testimony in a letter he submitted to the Legislature, saying both voices matter for the state.

“If Oregon is left without a Senator for several months because a vacancy occurs and current law does not provide for an appointment, then that critical work will not happen, and it could have significant repercussions for the people of Oregon,” Merkley wrote.

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What opponents said about authorizing Oregon governor to appoint a US senator

Opponents who spoke on the floor included Republicans and Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, who expressed concerns that the measure would erode voters’ power.

“It takes a step closer to centralizing control and a step away from democratic values,” said Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, said the bill was unnecessary. She recalled her campaign for governor and said appointees should not be allowed to represent without undergoing a similar process.

“[Campaigning] is grueling, it is humbling, it is demanding, and it is appropriate that it be so,” Drazan said. “It demands more than policy knowledge or just political connections … Senate Bill 952 hands power to insiders and it takes it from the people. That is always a mistake.”

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Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo





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Oregon

J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning

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6 hours ago

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January 4, 2026

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J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning


J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Oregon Ducks’ 23-0 Orange Bowl win against the Texas Tech Red Raiders was the eventual planted seed for the soon-to-be Peach Bowl next Friday, as they will rematch the Indiana Hoosiers for a chance to go to the national title game in Miami.

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Despite losing to the Hoosiers during the regular season, the Ducks’ resilience has shone through since, making On3’s J.D. PicKell cautiously optimistic the Ducks could turn the tables on the No. 1-seeded Hoosiers.

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“That might be the greatest gift this football team could have had, in the context of this season,” PicKell said. “That loss, I think, was a big reason why you’ve seen Oregon grow and progress the way they have in this College Football Playoff.”

PicKell said Oregon’s ability to “grow” has been apparent this postseason so far.

“Very different from last year’s team, when it comes to the way they’re evolving, the kind of ball they’re playing right now in the second round of the College Football Playoff,” PicKell said. “I think a lot of Oregon’s growth, you’ve got to give credit to some of the scars they have over the course of this season.”

We’ll see if PicKell’s words hold true, but it seems the Ducks have a shot to make the postseason even more interesting.

Come next Friday, we’ll find out.

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Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for Dec. 28

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6 days ago

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December 29, 2025

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The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

1PM: 0-2-6-1

4PM: 0-2-4-1

7PM: 4-3-9-2

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10PM: 6-3-9-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
  • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

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Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Why Tosh Lupoi sees a silver lining in Oregon’s poor defensive performance against James Madison

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7 days ago

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December 28, 2025

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Why Tosh Lupoi sees a silver lining in Oregon’s poor defensive performance against James Madison


EUGENE — It’s easier to get a message across about effort, tenacity and finishing when the most recent result is an affront to those attributes.

Oregon’s defensive effort in its win over No. 12 seed James Madison, particularly in the second half, was “unacceptable” to defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. He’s found the silver lining in the third straight postseason performance allowing 34-plus points and 500-plus yards though, calling it “the best thing that could ever happen” as the No. 5 Ducks prepare to face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.

“I think it’s another reminder of this is the best of the best, these teams. If you go to sleep for one down, one quarter, one half, they’re going to make you pay,” Lupoi said. “It makes it easier when the players see (themselves) not performing to the standard in that second half.”

JMU scored 28 points and averaged 8.4 yards per play in the second half. Though Oregon backups and third-teamers were in for some plays, starters were back in for the final 99-yard touchdown drive.

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Five of JMU’s seven passes of 20-plus yards and a 49-yard run also came during the second half. Oregon allowed just 20 passes of 20 or more yards in its first 12 games.

“There’s things that we can definitely attack that we can do better,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “The biggest piece is getting off the field. We had some sustained drives in that game and we gave up more explosive plays in that game than we have in the past.”

Those are particularly critical areas against Texas Tech (12-1). The Red Raiders have one of the most explosive offenses in the country, trailing only the Ducks in passes of 20-plus yards, and rank 11th nationally on third down.

Linebacker Bryce Boettcher felt the defense responded well at practice in the week since the first round win.

“Practice has been physical with a lot of energy before Christmas and now we’re getting back to it right after Christmas,” Boettcher said. “I’ve been impressed with the way everyone’s responded.”

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No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) vs. No. 5 Oregon (12-1)

  • When: Thursday, January 1
  • Time: 9 a.m. PT
  • Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
  • TV: ESPN
  • Stream: You can watch this game on DIRECTV (free trial) or with Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.



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