By Basant El-Faramawy
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has won re-election in Oregon, NBC News projects, defeating Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan in a rematch of their 2022 contest.
Rematch of 2022 race
Kotek narrowly beat Drazan by four points in 2022 in the solidly Democratic state. This year, Kotek faced low approval ratings amid voter concerns over cost-of-living issues and homelessness.
Campaign focus
Drazan criticized Kotek’s policies on taxes and data centers, while Kotek sought to tie Drazan to President Donald Trump, who lost Oregon by 14 points in 2024. A Republican has not won a gubernatorial race in Oregon since 1982.
Historic firsts
Kotek became one of the first openly lesbian governors in the country in 2022, alongside Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. She previously served as the first openly lesbian speaker of a state House in 2013.
