Blue-state governor’s race defies expectations as Republican closes in: Power Rankings

Fox News has moved Oregon's governor's race a notch toward Republicans, shifting its Power Rankings rating from Likely Democrat to Lean Democrat. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican Christine Drazan are in a rematch that recent public polls put within the margin of error. Oregon voters have not chosen a Republican governor in more than four decades, and worries over homelessness, housing, taxes, schools and living costs have given the GOP a possible opening.

The gains come despite a national backdrop unfavorable to Republicans, with elevated gas and diesel prices, polling that shows an unpopular war in Iran, and low approval ratings for President Donald Trump. Kamala Harris won Oregon by 14 points in 2024, yet governor's races there have usually been closer.

Drazan, a former Oregon House Republican leader, lost to Kotek by less than four points in 2022, then won a House seat in 2024 and was appointed to the state Senate last year. Drazan calls the effort "something historic" and argues that Oregon's troubles are local. Kotek's campaign is working to tie the challenger to Trump, who is very unpopular in the state.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →