Dudley, Bethell Concede Oregon GOP Governor’s Race, Express Their Support for Drazan

Oregon — Republican gubernatorial candidates Danielle Bethell and Chris Dudley have publicly conceded and called on Republicans to unite behind former House Minority Leader Christine Drazan following early election results showing her as the apparent Republican nominee for governor.

In a statement posted after the results, Bethell thanked supporters and reflected on her campaign, which she said focused on voters who felt unheard by political leaders.

“This campaign was never about political insiders or polished talking points,” Bethell wrote. “It was about fighting for the people who feel like their voices have been ignored for too long.”

Bethell said she would continue serving as a Marion County commissioner and urged Republicans, independents, and “fed-up Democrats” to rally behind Drazan in the general election against incumbent Democratic Governor Tina Kotek.

“I hope every Republican, Independent, and fed-up Democrat will now come together behind Senator Drazan and work to defeat Tina Kotek in November,” Bethell stated. “Oregon cannot afford another four years of failure, and unity matters moving forward.”

Dudley also acknowledged Drazan’s apparent victory during a press conference statement, emphasizing the need for Republican unity moving into the general election campaign.

“I believe in Oregon, I believe we can do better,” Dudley said. “I told Christine I would offer support, we have to have change.”

He added that he was encouraged by the number of voters engaged in the race and by what he described as growing support for political change in Oregon.

“I’m encouraged by how many great people out there want to have change,” Dudley said. “I’m encouraged by the message that we ran on. I think Oregon is ready for it.”

Drazan, who previously served as Oregon House Republican leader and more recently in a brief stint as a state senator was the Republican nominee for governor in 2022, now appears positioned to advance to a rematch against Kotek in November’s general election. Candidate Ed Diehl, who is as of publishing shown in second place for the nomination, has not issued a public concession and the election results are not certified.