Oregon Governor Race-Meet the Candidates

The Oregon Governor race is heating up in a way like never before. Three candidates with very different views are all hoping to win the vote. Those three candidates bring very different ideas and policies they would like to put in place, and those views and policies shape three very different futures for Oregon. Many are still unsure about which candidate is getting their vote, and as election day grows closer it is important now more than ever to be informed about those running for office. The three candidates' views on three main topics, abortion, homelessness, and gun control, will be examined below to give you a good idea of the perspective that they would bring to the title of Governor. 

Christine Drazan- Republican 

As Oregon is often known as a blue state through and through, Christine Drazan looks to be the first Republican Governor in 40 years. Many Oregonians are looking for a change, and Drazan presents a drastically different belief system than previous leaders.

Notably, she is the only candidate who is anti-abortion. However, she has made it clear that should she be elected, she would not change the pro-choice laws regarding abortion already in place. Endorsed by Oregon Right To Life, who, “...work to reestablish protection for all innocent human life from conception to natural death,” Drazan cites her faith as the reason for her abortion views.

Homelessness is another polarizing topic among the three candidates. In a written interview with OPB, Drazan says that “...the state has failed to support Oregonians suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues… Instead of enabling homelessness we must balance our approach with a mindset of both compassion and compatibility.” 

Another prominent topic during this year's election cycle is gun control. Drazan is endorsed by the National Rifle Association and is adamant that should she be elected, gun policies would be centered on increased policing, in addition to proper mental health care for gun owners, as opposed to gun control, and restricting access to firearms (OPB). 

Experience in the Oregon House of Representatives gives Drazan a solid foundation of government experience. A republican Governor in Oregon would be a rarity, but Drazan is certainly determined to make it happen. With her conservative values and endorsements from Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight and the Oregon Association of Realtors, among others, she makes an appealing case come election day. 

Tina Kotek- Democrat

Tina Kotek is a former House Speaker, and like Drazan, she is aiming to make history. Should she be elected, she would become the first openly lesbian governor in the nation. After first attending Georgetown, she transferred to the University of Oregon. Despite her party affiliation, Kotek has made it no secret that she believes she can do better than the current governor, Kate Brown.

Regarding abortion, Kotek has said that “The decision to have an abortion is a personal health care decision and should not be infringed upon by the government.” Tina Kotek is openly pro-choice, and she has said that she would veto any legislation attempting to restrict abortion (OPB). 

Housing is the backbone of Kotek’s campaign and is without a doubt one of the issues she is most passionate about. When asked by OPB about her views, she said, “We simply have to get more serious about building a lot of housing… the goal will be to build enough housing to meet the need for people currently experiencing homelessness, address the current shortage of housing, and keep pace with future housing demand over the next decade.”

Another area where Kotek’s views oppose Drazans is gun control. She has said that, “...she would support policies keeping guns away from people who want to hurt themselves or others, thinks the legal age to buy some firearms should be raised from 18 to 21, said safety training should be required to buy a firearm and supports limiting the sale of high capacity magazines,” (OPB).

Kotek is determined to make positive change in Oregon, and for those who share her values regarding prominent issues, she makes a strong case. Her previous experience as House Speaker gives her valuable experience and insight into Oregon's legislative system. 

Betsy Johnson- Unaffiliated

Johnson, who is a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing the democratic party, is causing a large shakeup in this year's elections. She presents herself as a moderate with appealing views on both sides of the aisle. This has caused many to rally behind her, despite lagging in the polls. 

Abortion is a very important part of Betsy Johnson’s campaign. She has said that she would not support any restrictions on accessing abortions and that she would veto any legislation attempting to restrict abortion access (OPB). 

Although it may seem that Johnson's views mirror Kotek’s, the two have very different views on homelessness. She has been very critical of the housing policies Kotek has implemented during her time as House Speaker. She believes that the root causes of the homelessness crisis in Oregon are, “the complete failure of our mental health system, the lack of affordable housing, and our unwillingness to deal with the scourge of hard drug addiction in Oregon.” Should she be elected, Johnson says that, “We must end tent cities and reduce the number of people living unsheltered on the streets…We need to stand up designated camping areas and build more safe shelters,” (OPB).

Regarding guns, Johnson says, “As a state lawmaker for 20 years, I supported the rights of law-abiding gun owners and have supported the second amendment,” (Statesman Journal). A gun owner herself, she aims to enforce a stronger background check system when purchasing firearms, without restricting access altogether.

For many, Johnson is considered a happy medium between Drazan and Kotek. Those who do not lean towards one party or another are looking to her as a promising candidate for Governor.

Regardless of whom you vote for, know that you will shape Oregon's future. Please take time to consider every aspect of the candidates’ beliefs, and choose someone that represents an Oregon that you are proud to represent, because every vote matters.