Christine Drazan leads Tina Kotek in Oregon governor race poll

Republican candidate Christine Drazan holds a narrow lead over incumbent Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in a recent DHM Research poll for the Oregon gubernatorial race. Drazan leads 45% to 43%, though the margin falls within the poll’s four-point error. The survey indicates that 59% of voters disapprove of Kotek’s job performance, while 58% believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. Top voter concerns include affordability, K–12 education, and housing.

In response to shifting dynamics, the Democratic Party of Oregon has launched a “No Trump in Oregon” statewide tour. The campaign aims to link Drazan to the political agenda of Donald Trump, characterizing her policies as being in lockstep with the MAGA movement. This effort comes as the Cook Political Report adjusted its forecast for the race from “Likely Democrat” to “Lean Democrat,” noting that the reelection bid is becoming increasingly competitive.