Oregon enters an election year with big political questions

 Last year was a tumultuous one in Oregon politics. The city of Portland had an entirely new government and mayor. The U.S. president started talking a lot about Portland and mobilized members of the National Guard to the state. And the “big beautiful bill” blew an $890-million dollar hole in Oregon’s budget. Just a few days into 2026, it appears another rocky year is in the cards. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Alex Zielinski and Dirk VanderHart discuss the major stories to come and how 2026 already began with Democratic leaders in Portland and Salem struggling to find their footing. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts. 

"OPB Politics Now" is a weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the hottest political topics in Oregon and the Northwest. Every Friday, OPB’s political reporters and special guests offer in-depth analysis, discussion and insight into candidates, events and issues.