Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan clash over data centers in Medford debate

MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Republican State Senator Christine Drazan faced off Wednesday night in an Oregon Gubernatorial debate.

The debate was hosted by our Medford affiliate, KOBI, and Southern Oregon University. 

The candidates answered questions on a range of topics, including education, healthcare, and abortion. They were also asked about homelessness, snap benefits, and other hot button topics. 

Here's what they had to say about data centers in Oregon.

"I believe we need a moratorium across the state until we can hold these large mega-corporations from out of state to a higher standard, so we can make sure that we are protecting our electricity costs, protecting our goals to produce more renewable energy," said Governor Tina Kotek.

"We just witnessed rewriting history in real time," Republican State Senator Christine Drazan said. "(Governor Kotek) increased data centers in our state. We now have 142 that have received $1.4 billion in tax breaks, which were advanced on her watch."

Recent polls suggest it'll be a tight race between the two.

If elected, Drazan would become Oregon's first Republican governor in nearly 40 years.

On Tuesday, October 13th, candidates for Oregon governor will join us at KTVZ News live at at 6 p.m. and on KTVZ+ for another debate.