Kotek and Drazan draw millions in final unlimited Oregon race
Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican challenger Christine Drazan have raised more than $40 million collectively for the November 3, 2026 midterm election, fueled by millions from major allies before a strict state campaign finance limit takes effect next year, oregoncapitalchronicle.com reported.
The Final Unlimited Donations Before the 2024 Campaign Finance Law Takes Effect
Oregon was long one of the last states without limits on political campaign contributions. That era ends with the current cycle. In 2024, the state Legislature passed a law setting a $3,300 cap on individual donations per candidate per election cycle. Membership groups, trade associations, and labor unions will face a limit of $26,400 per two-year election cycle for statewide candidates.
Those upcoming restrictions triggered a rush of massive checks. In late August 2026, the political action committee for the Oregon-Columbia chapter of the Associated General Contractors cut a $700,000 check to Christine Drazan’s campaign. Josh Tompkins, chief executive officer of the contractors’ association, stated that the new law created a sense of urgency that aligned with a candidate the group supports. According to data from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, it is the single largest donation the group has made to any political candidate since its records began in 2006.
Drazan has also drawn support from other prominent industry groups. Her top contributors include Ashland auto dealership executive Don H. Jones Jr., who has given nearly $2 million in cash and in-kind contributions since January 2025. Kristin Rasmussen, a spokesperson for Hampton Lumber, stated that decisions made in Salem directly impact employees, businesses, and local communities, adding that Drazan would work to restore a healthy business climate.
Drazan also received $3 million from the Republican Governors Association, following an additional $2 million contribution reported on October 23, for a transaction that occurred on October 16.
Public Employee Unions Help Kotek Maintain Fundraising Lead
While industry groups back Drazan, incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek has maintained a fundraising advantage, taking in about $1.7 million more than her challenger as of late October 2026. Kotek’s campaign finances are anchored by public employee unions and national Democratic groups.
The Service Employees International Union 503 political committee is among Kotek’s largest donors, contributing about $1.5 million. Pati Urias, a spokesperson for SEIU 503, stated that the union’s funds come from small contributions pooled by janitors, home care workers, hospital staff, security officers, and public employees across Oregon. She described the funding as solidarity rather than influence-buying.
Kotek has also received $4.1 million from the Democratic Governors Association this cycle, alongside support from the Democratic Governors Victory Fund and a political action committee representing Oregon nurses. Federico Araujo, a spokesperson for Kotek’s campaign, stated that the fundraising total represents a broad coalition of Oregonians trusting the governor to continue making progress.
Critics have scrutinized Kotek’s union backing, pointing to her support for policies such as a 2024 executive order mandating union labor on many state construction projects. A Marion County judge struck down that order earlier in the year following a legal challenge mounted by the Associated General Contractors.
Shifting Donor Networks Since the Record-Breaking 2022 Matchup
Funding for the 2026 race looks different from the 2022 gubernatorial contest between Kotek, Drazan, and unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson. That election became the most expensive in Oregon history, drawing more than $70 million. In that race, Kotek raised nearly $30 million, Drazan brought in $22.5 million, and Johnson raised $17.5 million. Kotek ultimately defeated Drazan by 3.4%.
Several major players from the 2022 cycle have altered their giving or stepped back entirely. Nike cofounder Phil Knight, who poured nearly $4 million into Johnson’s campaign and $1.5 million to Drazan in 2022, has not given directly to Drazan in 2026. Knight did not contribute to a gubernatorial candidate this cycle after backing former Portland Blazer Chris Dudley in the Republican primary. However, Knight remains the primary supporter of the Bring Balance to Salem PAC, a Republican-aligned political action committee that has contributed $410,000 to Drazan in October 2026.
National party contributions have also shifted. The Republican Governors Association gave Drazan $7 million during her 2022 run, a figure substantially higher than the $3 million total recorded for the 2026 race. On the Democratic side, the Oregon Education Association, which sent $389,000 to Kotek in 2022, declined to endorse her earlier in the year.
The November 3 Midterm Election and Final Campaign Stretch
With debates concluded and ballots mailed to voters, both campaigns are spending the final days before the November 3, 2026 election pushing final messaging across television and digital ads. Drazan has criticized Kotek over state economic growth, drawing on findings from a summer prosperity council that called for lower taxes and fewer regulations on private businesses.
State economists reported in August 2026 that state revenue from personal income taxes has increased, easing prior concerns that Oregon’s economic growth was lagging behind national averages following the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashley Quinton, a Drazan campaign spokesperson, stated that the campaign fully intends to meet its budget and defeat Kotek. Ballots remain active until polls close on November 3, 2026.