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Oregon governor's debate 2026: The fight over Portland troops explained
OregonLive.com • • nation
Key Points:
- During a televised debate, Republican Sen. Christine Drazan defended her stance on President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Portland protests, claiming she did not support the decision but wanted Oregon to enforce its own laws amid unrest.
- Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek challenged Drazan's claim, calling it a "reinterpretation of history," while Drazan cited a 2025 press release criticizing local leaders for failing to maintain order during protests at the ICE facility.
- In southwest Washington, the congressional race between Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican John Braun is statistically tied, with the outcome potentially influencing control of the U.S. House.
- In Clackamas County, Oregon, incumbent County Clerk Catherine McMullen faces a challenge from retired dentist Mark Reaksecker, who advocates for election reforms like hand-counting ballots and voter roll cleaning based on disputed 2020 election claims.
