Oregon’s once-rising Democrat star Shemia Fagan, who was widely rumored to be a frontrunner for the state’s next gubernatorial race, has finally admitted to ethics violations in a political scandal that rocked the state in 2023. But instead of facing real consequences, the disgraced former Secretary of State is walking away with what many are calling a laughable $3,600 fine — and a long list of broken promises.
Fagan, who resigned in disgrace after it was revealed she was moonlighting as a $10,000-a-month consultant for a cannabis company, has now settled with Oregon’s Government Ethics Commission, effectively throwing in the towel on a legal fight she once promised to win. She originally denied any wrongdoing — a common Democrat tactic — but by May 2025, the writing was on the wall. Faced with mounting legal fees and no public support, Fagan changed her tune and admitted her actions were, in her own words, “indefensible.”
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t some minor paperwork error. Fagan, while holding one of Oregon’s highest public offices, cashed in on her position by working for La Mota, a marijuana company that has its own record of shady dealings. While Oregonians struggled with rising crime, drug addiction, and homelessness — many caused by the state’s soft-on-crime, pro-drug policies — Fagan was collecting fat private checks behind closed doors.
At the May 9 hearing, Fagan gave a carefully crafted mea culpa. “I made embarrassing mistakes,” she said. “I’m sorry. Whatever fine you decide to impose on me today, I will accept it.” And the fine? A mere **\$3,600** — a tiny fraction of the \$10,000 *per month* she received while double-dipping on the taxpayer’s dime.
Even Oregon officials were left stunned by the paltry punishment. **Dan Mason**, a commissioner with the Oregon DOJ, called the penalty “insufficient,” saying, “I don’t think any reasonable Oregonian would look at that number and believe it was adequate.” He’s right. This was a public betrayal, and the punishment doesn’t even come close to fitting the crime.
Fagan’s fall from grace hasn’t stopped her from trying to spin a redemption arc. After resigning, she promised to donate her remaining campaign funds — reportedly over $30,000 — to the Oregon Humane Society. So far? Not a single dollar has been donated. Instead, her campaign committee remains active and has continued to make mysterious $3,000 payments, according to reporting from The Willamette Week.
Adding to the murkiness, Fagan has since launched a nonprofit that’s still waiting on its tax-exempt status. Transparency and accountability seem to remain elusive for Oregon’s former top elections official.
Fagan’s scandal and soft landing are a perfect microcosm of Democrat governance gone wrong — a party that preaches equity while profiting in the shadows, dodges consequences when caught, and counts on media allies to sweep it all under the rug.
Oregonians deserve better — and Americans everywhere should take note. This is what happens when the political class polices itself. Ethics only matter when they’re inconvenient for Republicans.
