Oregon GOP governor primary winner emerges to challenge Democrat Kotek
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Christine Drazan, former minority leader of the House of Representatives won Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, emerging from a crowded field of candidates seeking a chance to flip the governor’s mansion in a state that Democrats have controlled for nearly four decades.
The Republican group included former Portland Trail Blazers player and businessman Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell.
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Drazan entered the race as one of the state’s best-known Republicans after her narrow 2022 loss to Kotek.
Diehl focused his campaign on lowering taxes and reducing state spending, while Bethell emphasized homelessness, public safety and government accountability.
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Chris Dudley, Republican candidate for governor of Oregon, speaks during a town hall meeting at Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co. in Portland. (Tom Hauck/Bloomberg)
Dudley, 16 years old NBA veteran, campaigned as a political outsider with the support of prominent Oregon business figures, including Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
Republicans running have focused heavily on homelessness, public safety, drug policy and the high cost of living, arguing that Democratic leaders in Salem and Portland have failed to adequately address those issues.
The GOP hasn’t won Oregon’s gubernatorial race since 1982, but the Republican Party believes voter frustration with crime, homelessness and affordability could make the race more competitive this midterm cycle.
Drazan will now face Democratic incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek in November.
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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking a second term as Republicans seek to flip the governor’s mansion in the Democratic-controlled state. (Susan Walsh/AP)
Kotek has faced criticism over homelessness, including the growing homeless population and difficulties in increasing housing capacity, as well as funding for education and transportation, although she has attracted little opposition in her bid for a second term.
