Story perspectives

Drazan Leads Kotek by One Point in Poll

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 12:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

State Senator Christine Drazan leads Governor Tina Kotek by one point in a DHM Research poll.
The poll of 915 likely voters shows Drazan at 47 % and Kotek at 46 %.
A GOP victory would give Oregon its first Republican governor since 1982.
Kotek has about $9.2 million cash on hand, while Drazan holds under $1 million.
Three televised debates are scheduled, the first on October 1 at the University of Oregon.

History

Historical Context

In the November 2, 1982 Oregon gubernatorial election, incumbent Republican Victor Atiyeh won a second term, defeating Democrat Ted Kulongoski and carrying every county—the last time a Republican has held the office. Today, a 2024 poll shows Republican Christine Drazan trailing Democrat Governor Tina Kotek by one point, reviving the state’s long-standing Democratic dominance since Atiyeh’s 1982 victory.

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Story summary

State Senator Christine Drazan leads Governor Tina Kotek by one point in a DHM Research poll.
The poll of 915 likely voters shows Drazan at 47 % and Kotek at 46 %.
A GOP victory would give Oregon its first Republican governor since 1982.
Kotek has about $9.2 million cash on hand, while Drazan holds under $1 million.
Three televised debates are scheduled, the first on October 1 at the University of Oregon.

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