Phil Knight donates $2M to Oregon committee backing Republicans

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Nike co-founder Phil Knight donated $2 million to a political action committee backing Republicans in the Oregon legislature, according to state records.

The donation was made Feb. 15 to Bring Balance to Salem, as first reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

The organization has donated to several state Republican campaigns, including over $10,000 to Rep. Tracy Cramer's reelection campaign, and over $9,000 to Rep. Cyrus Javadi's reelection campaign in January.

In December 2023, the group donated to other Republican reelection campaigns, including $15,000 to Rep. Jeff Helfrich, and Republican House Leader Vikki Breese Iverson.

During Oregon's gubernatorial race in 2022, Knight donated $3.75 million to unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson, followed by a $1 million donation to Republican candidate Christine Drazan.

Knight's donation to the PAC comes after the Oregon legislature passed a bill -- House Bill 4024 -- which limits campaign contributions and spending and would create disclosure laws around campaign funding.

The bill passed the Oregon House on March 6, and if signed by Gov. Tina Kotek, would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Under the bill, candidates running for state senator, representative, circuit court judge, or district attorney cannot accept more than $3,300 per election from individuals, $2,000 from political committees, or $5,000 from multi-candidate committees.