Who is Tina Kotek and what is Kotek running on in the 2026 Oregon Governor race?

Tina Kotek is the Democratic candidate for Oregon governor, and the incumbent. Governor of Oregon since 2023; former Speaker of the Oregon House. 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 Kotek is ahead

• 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 Kotek is running on

• Housing / homelessness. Statewide homelessness emergency; touts 6,200+ shelter beds and 2,800 affordable homes.
• Education. Investing in early literacy, summer learning and childcare access.
• Cost of living. Cancelled freeway tolls, pushed utility rate controls and banned hidden fees.
• Trump. Frames her campaign as protecting Oregon from Trump administration policies, including federal food-benefit cuts.
• Abortion / voting. Protect abortion access and vote-by-mail.
• Mental health. Expand mental health and addiction care.

In Kotek’s own words

“I’m running for reelection because Oregon values are on the line”

“Being a governor right now means protecting our state, defending our values”

The other candidates

• Christine Drazan (R)

Every race

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