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New Poll Shows Drazan With Slight Lead in Governor’s Race
Willamette Week • • nation
Key Points:
- A Sept. 11 DHM Research poll shows Republican Christine Drazan leading incumbent Democrat Tina Kotek by 2% among likely Oregon voters, but the margin is within the 4% error range, indicating a tight race.
- Kotek faces vulnerability with 59% disapproval of her performance and 58% of respondents believing Oregon is on the wrong track; top voter concerns include affordability, education, and housing.
- Despite headlines on data centers, only half of respondents consider that issue very important compared to higher concern for taxes, homelessness, and crime.
- Kotek’s campaign highlights Drazan’s alignment with Trump and anti-abortion stance, while Drazan focuses on the economy, government accountability, and taxes; Kotek currently has a financial advantage with $8.2 million on hand versus Drazan’s $2.4 million.
- The candidates will hold their first debate on Oct. 1 at the University of Oregon, with the race expected to be expensive and competitive leading up to the Nov. 3 election.
