Central Oregonians launch two recent recall attempts against elected officials, despite steep statewide decline
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding statistics, full story, video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In 2024, Oregon topped the list of U.S. states for number of recall attempts relative to its population – 0.76 recall attempts per 100,000 residents.* But so far in 2025, recall petitions are well below the state’s average for this time of year.
As of June of this year, only three officials statewide were targeted for recall — seven fewer than the mid-year average of the past five years. But here in Central Oregon, things look a little different.
Despite a statewide slowdown, two local recall campaigns launched in the last two months, signaling that voter frustration may be simmering on a local level.
A recall of embattled former Sheriff Kent van der Kamp started at the end of June by some of his own within the sheriff’s office. That recall attempt was meant to be a fail-safe, if van der Kamp did not resign — but he announced his resignation effective July 31st, mere hours after the recall effort went public.
The second attempt is led by a La Pine resident, William Minnix of Oregon For The People, whose recall petition against Governor Tina Kotek was approved by the State on Friday. Minnix must collect nearly 293,000 signatures by October 27th. If successful, Governor Kotek would have five days to resign before a recall election would start.
According to BallotPedia, in Oregon, recall efforts peaked in 2024; 32 officials were targeted and 19 were removed from office — a 59% success rate, the highest in recent history.
But a recall doesn’t always mean removal from office.
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 60 officials in Oregon were targets of recall attempts that did not meet the requirements to trigger an election.
When voters did weigh in, the outcomes were mixed. Just last year, seven officials survived recall elections, while only two were removed.
Under Oregon law, petitioners must collect valid signatures totaling at least 15% of the votes cast in the election. In addition, those signatures must be collected within 90 days of filing, then verified by the state election office. Due to these hurdles, voters rarely receive a recall ballot.
Still, local campaigns popping up this year suggest recalls remain a political tool for the public, especially in smaller communities where organizers can mobilize quickly.
Whether Central Oregon’s recent efforts signal a larger shift remains to be seen. Only time will tell if the state’s below-average mid-year trend will continue throughout 2025.
*Information provided by editor at BallotPedia.