Oregon Republican Christine Drazan enters 2026 governor’s race again

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Republican State Sen. Christine Drazan has officially launched her second campaign for Oregon governor in 2026. She filed paperwork with Oregon’s campaign finance system Monday morning and soon after held a news conference to announce her bid.

Speaking at the Gunderson Marine & Iron facility in Portland, Drazan told supporters, "We are going to make Oregon number one for the best place in the nation to raise a family, start your business, grow your business, and get a world-class education."

This announcement comes just days after Drazan was appointed to the Oregon State Senate. She took over the seat vacated by former Sen. Daniel Bonham, who resigned earlier this month after being nominated to serve as an assistant to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

Drazan was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2018, representing House District 39. She became House Republican Leader in 2019 and was reelected in 2020. However, she resigned partway through her second term to run for governor in 2022.

The 2022 governor’s race was a three-way contest between Drazan, Democrat Tina Kotek, and unaffiliated candidate and former state Sen. Betsy Johnson. Kotek won with 46.9% of the vote, Drazan received 43.5%, and Johnson took 8.6%.

After losing the governor’s race, Drazan returned to the legislature by winning the 2024 election for House District 51, her home district following the 2020 redistricting. She once again served as House Republican Leader during this year’s regular legislative session and the recent special session.

KTVZ News will continue following Sen. Drazan’s campaign as the 2026 governor’s race develops.