Canby, Ore. – Yesterday, Oregon’s failed Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 1507 into law, increasing the tax burden on local employers by $311 million, snubbing businesses and ignoring the advice of her own Prosperity Council. Sen. Christine Drazan (R-Canby), candidate for Oregon Governor, called on Kotek to veto the business tax hike in March. This morning she released the following statement:

Canby, Ore. – Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Christine Drazan
(R-Canby) announced 15 debates and candidate forums ahead of the May 19 primary. Meanwhile,
Tina Kotek has held zero public town halls since she announced her re-election campaign to
answer for her abysmal record, and has made herself unavailable to primary election voters in a
crowded 10-candidate field of Democrats running for governor.

CANBY, Ore. – Last month, Democrats in the Oregon State Legislature passed Senate
Bill 1507, a bill that would increase the tax burden on local employers by $311 million.
The bill currently sits on the Governor’s desk.

SALEM, Ore. – Today, Senator Christine Drazan (R-Canby) submitted a declaration in support of motion for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in a federal lawsuit filed with the United States District Court for the District of Oregon challenging a state election rule that prevents low-income and disabled Oregonians from submitting arguments to the official state Voters’ Pamphlet. Joining Senator Drazan in submitting declarations in support of the TRO are Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany), Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Scio) and Rep. Matt Bunch (R-Canby).

“ALL TALK AND NO RESULTS. THIS IS OREGON’S TIME FOR CHOOSING.”

For Immediate Release

Date: Monday, October 27th, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

CHRISTINE DRAZAN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR:

‘LET’S GET TO WORK’

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Senator Christine Drazan (R-Canby) launched her campaign to become Governor of the Great State of Oregon, pledging to restore opportunity, accountability, and prosperity to every corner of the state. Speaking at Gunderson Marine and Iron to a crowd of Oregon workers of various industries and backgrounds in downtown Portland, Drazan drew a powerful analogy between the launch of vessels built by Oregonians in Portland, and the beginning of her campaign:

“The launch of a vessel and the launch of a movement share much in common. Both face uncertain seas. Both depend on the Oregon spirit of excellence, of faith and hope. And it is with that same confidence in the boundless future of our state – the character of our people and our ability to build and achieve anything we set out to accomplish together – that I announce my candidacy for Governor of the Great State of Oregon.”

Drazan highlighted the struggles facing Oregon families and businesses and pledged to turn Oregon from dead last into the number one state for businesses, families, and school-aged children:

“Lately, it feels like Oregon itself can’t seem to find its way fully out of the storm. Families are working harder and falling further behind. Businesses are closing their doors. And too many Oregonians are wondering whether opportunity will ever come back around. But it will. Because Oregonians don’t stop when things get hard. We steady ourselves. We keep showing up. We keep working. We keep building. That’s why l’m here today. Not to run for a party to lose, but for Oregonians themselves to win.”

“We are going to make Oregon the #1 state in the nation to start a business, to raise a family, and get a world class education.”

Drazan grew up in Klamath Falls where her family, like so many Oregonians, struggled to get by under anti-job policies pushed by politicians in Salem. She also emphasized the values that drive her: hard work, resilience, and community:

“As a kid, our family knew struggle. We spent summer Saturdays at yard sales because the kids needed school clothes. We ate pancakes three meals a day.

Because that is what we had. We moved when the rent went up. We couch surfed when we had to. We didn’t have much, but we had faith. We had family. We had a community who showed up when things got tough. In those years, Southern Oregon needed timber—and we had plenty of it. Until we didn’t.”

“They closed us down and didn’t look back. Sitting under the lilac bushes at my grandma’s house as a kid, listening to my dad and all my uncles talk I heard: The politicians didn’t care. They didn’t stand up for us. No one protested when my dad lost his job. The government didn’t come to the rescue when the food stamps ran out.”

“We worked hard. We found a way. We kept going. We never gave up. Those are the values that shaped me.”

“Struggle is a part of life. Hard work is healthy. You don’t fight with people, you fight for people. You give what you can, because some gave all. You pray and you pledge. You love and you forgive. Those are the values that guide me every day I serve you.”

Drazan also called out the failures of Oregon’s current leadership and outlined her priorities for the state:

“Our governor may be in charge, but her state is out of control.”

“Lowering taxes and fees so families can achieve their hopes and dreams. Clearing the path for homeownership and business growth through smarter regulations. Creating safe streets and holding drug dealers accountable to end the cycles of addiction and crime. Rebuilding Oregon’s economy and workforce while preserving farmland and natural resources.”

Drazan concluded by pledging to always be accountable to Oregonians and their families:

“I am running to be accountable to you. Oregonians are built for the weight of responsibility, for striving for greatness, for navigating rough seas.”

“Our future isn’t out there somewhere – it’s right here. This is our time to rise. This is our time to rebuild. This is our time to deliver. So, my fellow Oregonians—We don’t have a minute to spare. Let’s get to work.”

Christine Drazan and her husband, Dan, live in Canby where they raised their three children. Christine formerly served as Oregon House Republican Leader and now represents the people of Senate District 26 as their State Senator. A live stream of the announcement speech can be viewed here. Photos of the announcement event can be found here.

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