Oregon Governor’s Race Narrowly Shifts Toward Drazan in New Poll

A DHM Research poll of 600 likely voters for Grow Oregon finds Republican Christine Drazan leading Democrat Tina Kotek by 2 points, 45% to 43%, with Green Party candidate Brett Smith at 4%. Because the lead sits within the poll’s 4% margin of error, the race is effectively a toss-up. Voters cite affordability, K–12 education and housing as top concerns, while Kotek trails in approval (59% disapprove vs. 37% approve) and many say Oregon is on the wrong track. Fundraising favors Kotek (about $12M raised since last year with $8.2M on hand) over Drazan ($9.4M raised, $2.4M on hand). The candidates will debate Oct. 1 at the University of Oregon, with organizers including OJP, Lookout Eugene–Springfield, KVAL-TV and UO’s School of Journalism and Communication.