Where races stand in Oregon's May primary election
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Christine Drazan will face Gov. Tina Kotek again in the governor's race this fall. Photo: Courtesy of Christine for Oregon
State Sen. Christine Drazan is Oregon's Republican nominee for governor, capturing 43 % of the vote in Tuesday's primary election, according to the Associated Press.
The big picture: Drazan beat out a crowded field of candidates — including ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell — to set up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek in November.
- Drazan lost to Kotek by just 3.5 percentage points in a crowded three-way race in 2022.
What they're saying: "This can be the best state in the nation to start a business. This can be the best state in the nation for our kids to get an education," Drazan said shortly after the race was called, per OPB. "But only with new leadership."
The big picture: Drazan still faces an uphill battle in blue Oregon.
- The state GOP hasn't occupied the governor's mansion since Victor G. Atiyeh's tenure ended in 1987 and it doesn't control a single statewide office.
Here's where other races stand as of late Tuesday night, according to the Secretary of State's office.
- Candidates must win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a November runoff.
Senate District 15
State Sen. Janeen Sollman is narrowly leading labor-backed Myrna Muñoz 52% to 45% in the hotly contested Hillsboro-Forest Grove race.
House District 38
Rep. Daniel Nguyen is leading progressive challenger and middle school teacher John "Waz" Wasielewski 76% to 24% to keep his seat representing Southwest Portland and Lake Oswego.
Metro Council President
Juan Carlos González led a field of four other candidates with roughly 71% of the vote to replace Lynn Peterson.
Circuit Court Judge, 4th District
Position 2
Laura Maurer Rowan has a slim lead on Diane Sykes, garnering nearly 30% and 28% of the vote, respectively.
Position 5
Joanna T Perini-Abbott has a firm lead on John Casalino, with 63% of the vote.
Position 12
Embattled incumbent Adrian Brown appears poised to lose her seat to last-minute challenger Peter Klym, who has secured 70% of the vote so far.
Position 14
Joseph Hagedorn is currently the frontrunner among five other candidates for this open seat, securing 34% of the vote. Elizabeth Savage trails at 25%.
Measure 26-261
Voters appear poised to renew a levy that supports the Oregon Historical Society, with 60% of votes supporting.