The Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO), its State Central Committee (SCC), and the Rules Committee must act now to ensure fair and transparent elections.

Under current party leadership, there are claims that the DPO must endorse the incumbent candidate, as well as other rules and bylaws like the one for SGC's quoted below.

“SGCs may endorse a Democratic candidate in an open contested primary or a candidate in a non-partisan primary. SGCs may not oppose an incumbent Democrat in a primary, or endorse a candidate who is not a Democrat in any partisan election.”

This means that caucuses, committees, and county parties under the DPO cannot endorse, donate to, or campaign for any Democratic challenger running against an incumbent. They can only support such candidates privately, not in any official capacity. The effect is that challengers are silenced, campaign resources are suppressed, and elections are unfairly tipped in favor of incumbents.

Party leaders often defend this rule by claiming it prevents “party infighting.” But this is a cop-out. What it really does is suppress fair competition, shield incumbents from accountability, and silence the grassroots voices our party should be amplifying. True democracy thrives on debate, competition, and accountability—not insider rules that protect the status quo.

Every Democratic candidate—incumbent or challenger—should have equal access to support and resources to share their vision with voters. And every voter deserves to hear from all candidates so they can make an informed choice during primary elections.

By silencing challengers, this bylaw fuels a “good ol’ boy” system that hands offices to incumbents without requiring them to earn their seat. Every elected office should be worked for—and earned.

We call on the SCC to repeal any harmful bylaws that prevent fair and open competition between candidates at their next meeting, and on DPO leadership, caucus leaders, and committee chairs across the state to stand with us for truly fair and transparent elections.

Our voters deserve real choices. Our democracy deserves better. It’s time to end the incumbent protection rule.

Sign this petition to demand that the Democratic Party of Oregon end its incumbent protection rule and restore fair, transparent, and democratic elections.

"I believe every voter deserves real choices and every candidate deserves a fair shot. I’m fighting to end insider rules that silence grassroots voices and protect incumbents, because democracy only works when it works for all of us." - Brittany Jones, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Oregon 2026