OR-GOV: Early signs suggest Oregon governor's race is competitive

[RandySF]

Democrats appear to have political winds at their back this year, but the party can’t take the race for Oregon governor for granted.

That’s the message of a one-two punch of new developments in the race between Gov. Tina Kotek and her Republican challenger, state Sen. Christine Drazan, this week.

First, Drazan’s campaign has been circulating internal polling that suggests the candidate could be leading Kotek in the race — a result that, while inconclusive, has Republicans privately ecstatic.

The poll of 600 Oregon voters in late June showed 48% favored Drazan, 44% favored Kotek and 6% were undecided, according to high-level results released by the campaign. The final 2% either refused to answer or indicated support for a third party.



https://www.opb.org/article/2026/07/10/oregon-governor-race-competitive-early-signs-show/

[Matthew28]

1. This really sucks

This and Michigan suggest that the mid terms might not be too good us.

[RandySF]

2. It means don't take anything for granted.

And that candidates matter.

[Buckeyeblue]

6. I think Michigan will turn out ok.

John James is disaster as a candidate. Benson should beat him. I think that either Democratic candidate (El-Sayed or Stevens) will beat Mike Rogers.

[PufPuf23]

3. You realize that your source is a GOP polling firm? nt

[RandySF]

4. I thought it was Oregon Public Broadcasting

Anyway, Kotek is unpopular and that’s no Republican talking point.

[PufPuf23]

5. Yeah.

"Nearly half of survey respondents — 48% — said they would likely or definitely vote for Drazan if the election were held today, compared to 44% for Kotek. The poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, a national Republican-aligned polling firm, and surveyed 600 registered voters across Oregon by telephone between June 22 and 24."

from: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/07/new-poll-shows-oregon-governors-race-is-far-from-settled.html