Their aim was to prevent a vote on a cap-and-trade proposal that would dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to combat climate change.

[6][7] The walk-out led to one of Thomsen's Hood River constituents, Lara Dunn, to file a petition for a recall of his seat on March 5, 2020.

“Senator Chuck Thomsen broke his promise to represent us in the Legislature,” Dunn wrote in a prospective petition.

He must be recalled and replaced by someone who will show up and fight for our jobs, our schools, our healthcare and our future.” Thomsen's opponents pointed to comments Thomsen had made to Oregon Public Radio regarding his plans to head for warm weather if a walkout occurred, and that he'd packed polo shirts and shorts.

[8] In order to force a recall election, Dunn's petition effort needed to gather 9,025 valid signatures by June 2, according to the Secretary of State's Office.