The largest teachers union in Oregon is looking to become the state's biggest political action committee by 2026, internal documents provided to Fox News Digital by Defending Education show.The Oregon group is also proposing new member assessments, expanding its political influence and advancing resolutions on a variety of issues including taxation and artificial intelligence.The Oregon Education Association (OEA), which represents almost 41,000 educators and education support staff, is an affiliate of the National Education Association.
In a section of its 2026 Representative Assembly Handbook labeled "strategic metrics," the group lists out its goals by category.In the "Transforming Politics: Creating a pro-public school environment" category, the OEA states that it aims to be the largest PAC in Oregon by Fall 2026.
Under the same category, the OEA states that it is seeking to "increase engagement and success of endorsed candidates."In a new report, watchdog group Defending Education details OEA's goals, activities and spending based on internal documents, campaign finance records and tax filings.The organization argues that OEA's political ambitions are reflected both in its strategic planning documents and its spending history.CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION BUDGETING MILLIONS FOR 'POLITICAL ACTIVITIES,' ACCORDING TO FISCAL REPORTDefending Education is sounding the alarm over the Oregon Education Association's goal to become the state's largest PAC by fall 2026.
(Getty Images)State campaign finance records reviewed by Fox News Digital show that the OEA contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to political organizations, ballot measure campaigns and candidates.This included contributions to to Legislative Accountability 1 and Transparent Elections for Grassroots Engagement.
The state records also show OEA donated to campaigns for John Wasielewski, Michael Sugar and Lesly Muñoz, among others.Defending Education's report also cites contributions to then-gubernatori...