Governor Tina Kotek Faces Tight Re-election Race in Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek is facing a competitive re-election bid against Republican State Senator Christine Drazan. While Oregon has not elected a Republican governor since 1982, recent polling indicates the race is essentially tied. Kotek faces criticism for slow progress on public school performance, housing production, and homelessness.

Kotek is campaigning on plans to create a state commerce department, expand child care, and improve instructional time in schools. In response to dissatisfaction with the state's current trajectory, Kotek stated, "I’m not satisfied, either."

Christine Drazan, a conservative who has sponsored legislation to bar transgender girls from girls' sports and opposes abortion, is centering her campaign on the condition of Portland and the state's post-pandemic economic malaise. Drazan has challenged the incumbent's record, asserting that "Tina Kotek told Oregonians that she would solve the problems and challenges facing our state."

Despite the close polling, Kotek holds a financial advantage with $3.4 million in funding compared to $2 million for Drazan. The Cook Political Report currently categorizes the contest as leaning Democratic.