Gov. Tina Kotek wins second term as Christine Drazan concedes rematch (Nov. 4)
Updated 9:25 a.m. PT Nov. 4 with Drazan's concession, as reported by KGW. Ballots are still being counted, and results are unofficial.
Quick Read
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek won a second term, according to an Associated Press call shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Early returns showed Kotek leading Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby 51.8% to 45.5%, with more than 1.5 million ballots counted, OPB reported.
Drazan, who told supporters Tuesday night that "this race isn't over," conceded the race Wednesday morning, KGW reported.
Results are unofficial, and the margin may shrink as counties finish counting ballots.
PORTLAND - Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has won reelection, defeating Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan in a rematch of their 2022 race, the Associated Press projected early Wednesday, Nov. 4, according to OPB and the Oregon Capital Chronicle. NBC News also projected Kotek the winner.
The count so far
Early returns showed Kotek ahead of Drazan 51.8% to 45.5%, with more than 1.5 million ballots counted, OPB reported. Pacific Green Party candidate Brett Smith had 2.7%.
Kotek's lead narrowed through the night and may continue to shrink as election officials process the remaining ballots that were turned in or postmarked by the 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.
What the candidates said
"Because of your work and support, I am proud to stand here as your next governor," Kotek told supporters just after 9:20 p.m. Tuesday at the Democratic Party of Oregon's election night party in downtown Portland, according to OPB.
Drazan spoke for about five minutes shortly after 10 p.m. at her party in Hillsboro and did not concede. "This race isn't over," she said, adding that votes were still being counted, OPB reported.
By Wednesday morning, Drazan had conceded the race, KGW reported at 7:12 a.m. Wednesday.
Why it matters
The win extends a Democratic streak in the governor's office that dates to 1986, OPB reported. Kotek, a former Oregon House speaker, first won the office in 2022 in a three-way race with Drazan and nonaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson.
Closer to home, early returns show Democrats leading in both Marion County Board of Commissioners races, with narrow margins, and Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark leading her race, according to Salem Reporter. Marion County expects to post its next round of results Wednesday, Salem Reporter said.
Counties will keep updating unofficial results in the coming days. Official statewide results are posted by the Oregon Secretary of State.
Comments