Who is Christine Drazan and what is Drazan running on in the 2026 Oregon Governor race?

Christine Drazan is the Republican candidate for Oregon governor. Oregon state senator from Canby and former Oregon House Republican leader; 2022 GOP nominee for governor. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Tina Kotek (D) seeking a second term; rematch of 2022.
• Rating: Likely D (Cook, July 2026).
• Polling: Drazan 48, Kotek 44 (Public Opinion Strategies, Drazan internal, late June 2026); no independent public poll found.

Why Drazan is behind

• Oregon’s Democratic lean and Kotek’s money and labor backing ($10.1M raised; Drazan trails by $3.9M).
• Democrats tie Drazan to Trump’s unpopular agenda in a blue state.
• Drazan is competitive because of voter dissatisfaction with Kotek on homelessness, the economy and schools; forecasters moved the race toward the GOP in summer 2026.
• Only poll showing Drazan ahead is her own internal; Kotek’s approval is modest (48/42, Morning Consult).

What Drazan is running on

• Taxes / business. Tax cuts and faster business permitting.
• Public safety. More support for law enforcement.
• Homelessness. Says the state’s approach has failed; campaigns on homelessness solutions.
• Economy / jobs. Economic leadership and job creation.
• Education. Improve school performance.
• Rural / outdoors. Protect hunting, fishing and farming.

The other candidates

• Tina Kotek (D)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.