04/28/2026
Ed Diehl's () Unbiased Liberty Score (0-100)
This assessment is based strictly on alignment with U.S. founding principles: individual liberty, natural rights (life, liberty, property), limited government, rule of law, federalism, free markets, constitutional restraints, self-governance, and virtue. It draws from his voting record (Freedom Index 71), sponsored bills, anti-tax referendums, and positions.
Overall Liberty Score: 78/100
Diehl is a strong limited-government Republican in deep-blue Oregon. He leads on tax restraint, deregulation, parental rights, and public safety, with proven referendum success. Missed votes and minority-party compromises prevent a higher score.
Breakdown by Key Areas
1. Economic Freedom / Property Rights / Limited Government
Score: 85/100
- Positives: Led successful "No Tax Oregon" referendum against massive gas tax/fee hikes; pushes 10% tax/spending cuts, eliminate death tax, property tax freezes, deregulation, and bureaucracy reduction. Opposed major tax/spending bills.
- Negatives: Occasional yes votes on appropriations or grants.
2. Individual Liberties / Civil Rights
Score: 80/100
- Positives: Strong 2A defender, law enforcement supporter, parental rights advocate, curriculum transparency, women's sports protection. Opposed gun control and mandates.
- Negatives: Missed votes on some bills.
3. Rule of Law / Constitutional Governance / Federalism
Score: 75/100
- Positives: Used walkouts, procedural delays, and referendums to block overreach. Pushed audits and accountability on spending/crime/homelessness.
- Negatives: Campaign fundraising during session drew criticism.
4. Life, Family, Education, and Moral Virtues
Score: 75/100
- Positives: Pro-life, faith/family focused. Supports parental control, academic excellence, school choice, and family tax relief. Opposes progressive social policies.
- Negatives: Some public education funding support; limited major rollbacks in supermajority legislature.
Summary of Factors Detracting from Liberty:
- High missed vote rate reducing oversight.
- Compromises on spending bills.
- Minor government expansions via targeted programs.
Diehl offers a robust conservative approach with anti-tax activism and business experience. He outperforms most Oregon Republicans on founding principles but faces practical constraints in a Democrat-dominated legislature. Sources: Oregon Legislature archives, Freedom Index, Vote Smart, Ballotpedia, campaign site.
