Republican Christine Drazan Holds Narrow Lead over Gov. Tina Kotek in Oregon Governor Poll

A DHM Research poll conducted on September 11 with 600 likely voters for the business-backed group Grow Oregon places Republican Christine Drazan ahead of incumbent Democrat Governor Tina Kotek, 45% to 43%, a lead that sits inside the poll's four-point margin of error. Pacific Green Party nominee Brett Smith captured 4% of support and 13% of voters are still undecided. The survey shows 59% disapprove of Kotek's job performance versus 37% who approve, and 58% believe Oregon is heading in the wrong direction.

Voters identified affordability (87%), K-12 education (85%) and housing affordability (78%) as their top issues, with taxes, homelessness and crime also ranking high. Drazan's campaign interprets the results as a sign of demand for change, while Kotek's team warns of a large undecided bloc and warns against a Trump-aligned agenda. The candidates will debate on October 1 at the University of Oregon before the November 3 election, the first chance for a Republican to win the governorship since Victor Atiyeh in 1982.