The Oregon Education Association, representing nearly 41,000 members, aims to become Oregon's largest PAC by Fall 2026 while acknowledging budget deficits dating to 2018-19. The union proposes a $20 annual member assessment for a three-year political campaign that could raise roughly $820,000 and has contributed to political groups and candidates, according to a Defending Education report. Budget projections show personnel costs exceeding $23.8 million in 2026-27, and the handbook includes resolutions on taxation and limits on AI use in schools.
Oregon Teachers' Union Aims To Be State's Largest PAC While Reporting Multi-Year Budget Shortfalls
Defending Education is sounding the alarm over the Oregon Education Association's goal to become the state's largest PAC by fall 2026.(Getty Images)
The Oregon Education Association (OEA), the state's largest teachers union and an affiliate of the National Education Association representing nearly 41,000 educators and support staff, is pursuing an expanded political role even as it reports budget shortfalls dating back to 2018-19, internal planning documents obtained by Defending Education and reviewed by Fox News Digital show.
In its 2026 Representative Assembly Handbook under a section titled "strategic metrics," OEA sets a goal to become the largest political action committee (PAC) in Oregon by Fall 2026 and to "increase engagement and success of endorsed candidates." The union's materials also outline priorities under a "Racial & Social Justice" category and propose several resolutions on taxation and the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
Political Spending And Proposed Member Assessment
Defending Education's report, which draws on internal OEA documents, state campaign finance records and tax filings, says the union has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to political organizations, ballot measure campaigns and individual candidates. State records name recipients such as Legislative Accountability 1 and Transparent Elections for Grassroots Engagement and list donations tied to candidates including John Wasielewski, Michael Sugar and Lesly Muñoz. The report also cites contributions linked to then-gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek; Fox News Digital was unable to independently verify those specific contributions from the records reviewed.
Internal documents from the Oregon Education Association outline how the organization aims to be the state's largest PAC.
To boost political funding, OEA leaders are proposing a bylaw to impose a $20 annual assessment per member for a "Public School Funding Campaign" for three years unless extended by the Representative Assembly. With nearly 41,000 members statewide, that assessment would raise roughly $820,000 if approved.
Budget Picture And Staffing Costs
The union's handbook acknowledges ongoing budget deficits, noting the OEA "has been projecting budget deficits (expenses in excess of revenues) since 2018" and that it is "making progress toward returning to a balanced budget." The documents state expected deficits have declined by $2.1 million from 2021 to 2026, and that assumed reserve strengthening has increased to 1% of membership dues over the past two years.
Budget projections reviewed by Fox News Digital indicate personnel spending is expected to exceed $23.8 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year, with salaries and benefits making up about 79.3% of projected expenditures.
A young female teacher holds up a rainbow pride flag while discussing LGBT social movements with preteen children in a classroom.
Policy Agenda And Criticism
The OEA handbook includes proposed resolutions calling for higher taxes on billionaires and top earners, opposing the development or use of AI-powered weapons, and issuing guidance to limit use of artificial intelligence as a tool to reduce staffing in schools. Defending Education interprets these plans and spending priorities as evidence of increased emphasis on political activism.
Rhyen Staley, Director of Research at Defending Education, said the materials provide "another example of how teachers unions utilize member dues to fund left-wing political campaigns and far-left activism." He also pointed to lagging student performance in Oregon, citing 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results showing the state scored below the national average in fourth-grade math, fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math.
Fox News Digital reached out to the OEA for comment; the union's response, if provided, was not included in the materials reviewed for this story.
Context: This report synthesizes internal planning documents, public finance filings and third-party analysis. Readers should note that watchdog interpretations and campaign finance summaries represent one perspective on the union's strategy and priorities.
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