Jan. 30, 2026
OBI recently commissioned a statewide voter survey conducted by DHM Research in advance of the 2026 legislative session.
OBI commissioned this research to better understand what Oregonians see as the state’s most urgent challenges, with an emphasis on taxes, regulations, affordability and economic competitiveness. The findings indicate that voters are concerned about the direction of the state and are looking for solutions that improve economic competitiveness and reduce cost pressures.
Among the survey’s key findings:
- Voters are pessimistic about the direction of the state. Only 26% say the state is heading in the right direction, with positivity remaining stubbornly low since 2021. Most voters say the problems facing the state are getting worse: 85% saying cost of living and 77% say housing affordability are worsening.
- Elected leaders get low ratings for job performance. Sixty four percent disapprove of Gov. Tina Kotek’s job performance, 64% disapprove of the Oregon Legislature’s performance, and 55% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance.
- Economic outlook is poor and Oregonians are struggling to get by. Seventy three percent rate Oregon’s current economic conditions as poor, an increase from 60% in 2021. Sixty eight percent say conditions are getting worse, an increase from 62% over the same period. Nearly half have difficulties paying for essentials like groceries, healthcare, utility bills, auto insurance, and home mortgage or rent.
- Voters blame high taxes and excessive regulations for Oregon’s sluggish economy. Fifty two percent think Oregon’s economic growth rate is slower than the national average, 42% about the same, and 4% faster. Asked to explain the slow growth, 23% mention high taxes and 21% mention excessive regulations. No other reasons are cited as often.
- Voters favor a pro-growth strategy to tackle upcoming state budget deficits. Fifty two percent prefer reducing regulations and creating incentives to spur economic growth, jobs, and tax revenue. Twenty seven percent support spending cuts, and 12% favor raising taxes to fully fund programs. Voters favor the first approach, regardless of party affiliation.
Follow the link below to learn more. The memo further details these results and is intended to provide policymakers with information about Oregonians’ values and beliefs and to help inform policy discussions during this year’s legislative session.