Oregon — The Oregon Republican Party will host a Republican gubernatorial debate on April 16, 2026, giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking the party’s nomination for governor.
The debate is scheduled from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at NW Events in Hillsboro and will feature four confirmed candidates: Danielle Bethell, Ed Diehl, Christine Drazan, and Chris Dudley.
Party officials said participation was limited to candidates who met a set of objective criteria intended to ensure a focused and substantive discussion. To qualify, candidates were required to be officially filed Republicans for governor, submit campaign
documentation through the state’s ORESTAR system, maintain an active campaign website, and demonstrate campaign viability.
Additional requirements included raising at least $100,000 in reportable contributions and receiving support from a minimum of 250 individual donors. Candidates were also required to agree to support the eventual Republican nominee in the 2026 general election.
Organizers described the standards as neutral and commonly used in statewide debates to balance inclusivity with practical limits on the number of participants.
The debate will be professionally moderated and structured to provide equal speaking time and opportunities for each candidate. Topics are expected to cover major statewide issues, including housing, economic conditions, natural resource management, and public safety.
According to party leadership, the event is designed to help voters evaluate candidates’ policy positions and leadership approaches ahead of the primary election. Connie Whelchel said the debate offers a chance for Oregonians to hear “new ideas and leadership approaches” during a period of significant challenges for the state.
According to party leadership, the event is designed to help voters evaluate candidates’ policy positions and leadership approaches ahead of the primary election. Connie Whelchel said the debate offers a chance for Oregonians to hear “new ideas and leadership approaches” during a period of significant challenges for the state.
The event will be open to the public, with in-person tickets available for $25. A free livestream option will also be offered through the party’s website https://oregon.gop/.
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