Oregon Governor’s Race Has “Significant Upset Potential”

Statement From Campaign Manager Trey Rosser
“Christine Drazan is running against two career Democrats who have stood in lockstep support of Governor Kate Brown’s failed agenda. No amount of money or revisionist history will save them from their bad votes in the eyes of Oregon voters. Christine is the only candidate in this race with the vision to lead our state in a new direction this November. We are excited, but not surprised, to see political experts across the country already recognizing what a historic opportunity we have in this election.”

Drazan Has “A Real Shot” In Governor’s Race
“A victory in the governor’s race would be a pivotal moment for the Oregon GOP. And they may have a real shot: The general election features an usually viable left-leaning independent candidate, former Democratic state senator Betsy Johnson, who could peel votes from Kotek. ‘I view Betsy Johnson’s participation in the race as beneficial to my campaign, and the reason is because she is a lifelong Democrat,’ Drazan told NATIONAL REVIEW. Drazan added that she’s ‘grateful’ for the “opportunities that have presented themselves to work across the aisle with her — I think we need more of that in the state legislature. But Johnson’s ‘voting record — once Oregonians take a look at her voting record — it’s gonna be clear she was, in fact, a lifelong Democrat for a reason. She didn’t just play one on TV, she actually voted party line.’” – National Review

Politico Ratings Change: Likely Democrat >>> LEAN Democrat
“Republicans haven’t won the governorship in Oregon since 1982, but a combination of a good national environment and independent Betsy Johnson’s candidacy could be the opening Christine Drazan needs in the race against Democrat Tina Kotek.” – Politico

Crystal Ball: Race Has “Significant Upset Potential”
“Democrats have held the Oregon governorship since the 1986 elections, one of the longest streaks in the country. The Crystal Ball rates the general as Leans Democratic, but will 2022 be the year that Republicans can finally win there? The race has significant upset potential.” – Crystal Ball

OSU professor: “There’s a legitimate chance there could be a Republican governor”
“Obviously, Oregon is a blue state. But do Republicans and third-party candidates have more of a chance this year? ‘Yes,’ Nichols says. ‘I mean, I think for the first time in 35 years, there’s a legitimate chance there could be a Republican governor of the state.’” – KCBY

2022 Is Republicans’ “Best Shot In Years” 
While Oregon hasn’t seen a GOP governor in 35 years, political experts say Republicans have an opening amid widespread discontent in the state and a possible split in votes between Kotek, a progressive, and Johnson, a former Democratic state senator. – Associated Press

Republicans Have A Shot At Their “White Whale” – The Oregon Governor’s Office
Republicans might even have a shot at their white whale — the Oregon governor’s office, which they lost by just 6 points in 2014 and 2 points in 2010. Although Democratic Gov. Kate Brown is not eligible to run for reelection, her lowest-in-the-nation approval rating (according to Morning Consult) could weigh down the Democrats trying to succeed her. – FiveThirtyEight