Drazan proposes constitutional amendment to protect Oregon hunting, fishing and farming

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan says, if elected, she plans to introduce a constitutional amendment during the 2027 legislative session that would protect the rights of Oregonians to hunt, fish and farm.

Drazan said the proposal would allow voters to decide whether to add protections for cultivating crops and raising livestock to the state constitution. She made the announcement at White’s Country Meats in Gresham, following last week’s news that Initiative Petition 28 failed to qualify for the November 2026 ballot after falling short of the required number of valid signatures.

The proposed measure would seek to provide permanent protections for activities Drazan described as central to Oregon’s identity. The event included supporters from agriculture, food production, business and sportsmen’s groups.

Drazan is one of the confirmed general-election candidates in the race for Oregon governor, alongside Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Pacific Green Party candidate Brett Smith.

Kotek also opposed IP 28, saying criminalizing common agricultural practices and legal activities such as hunting and fishing would be detrimental for Oregon.

“Oregon should not be the testing ground for extreme measures that threaten affordability, local food production, consumer choice and the thousands of jobs connected to putting food on our tables,” Drazan said. “Activities like farming, ranching, hunting and fishing are a part of our heritage, our economy and our everyday lives. It's time to stop playing defense.”

If elected, Drazan plans to introduce the legislation during the 2027 session. If passed by the Legislature, the measure would then go to Oregon voters for final approval.

Watch the full press conference: https://youtu.be/b6dM4j_HuOA

Read the draft legislation: https://bit.ly/3Uda3GB