Tina Kotek Demands Debate Schedule that Skips Eastern Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek issued a demand to Senator Christine Drazan for a series of debates up and down the I-5 corridor preceding this fall’s election. Posting on social media, Governor Kotek tried to tie Senator Drazan to President Donald Trump, hoping to frame the debate in terms of how her Republican opponent would oppose her own party’s policies:

The stakes of this race couldn’t be higher, and Oregonians deserve a clear choice for governor. Today, I’m calling on Christine Drazan to commit to three televised debates this fall. I look forward to sharing how I will continue the fight to lower costs and protect Oregon from President Trump’s attacks.

Senator Drazan was quick to respond on Facebook:

LOL. Of course we’re going to debate. I can do that all day with a record like yours. But if we’re going to talk about Oregon, we should probably include all of it—not just the I-5 corridor.

Not long after challenging her opponent to a debate, Governor Kotek quietly declined to participate in a debate hosted by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. This was quickly shared by Senator Drazan:

Dodging accountability and refusing to answer for her failed record is typical of Tina Kotek.

After four years of her costly and chaotic leadership, Oregonians deserve a governor who will put them and their families first by lowering taxes, fixing our schools, restoring safe communities and ending homelessness as we know it.

The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Debate is a longstanding tradition that gives Oregonians a chance to hear directly from their leaders. Kotek clearly doesn’t believe the people of our state deserve to hear from her.

Second Amendment advocate and attorney Tony Aiello, Jr. lauded Senator Drazan’s response, encouraging addtional debates across the Beaver State:

Love this response from Christine Drazan! Do we really need a Portland and Eugene debate?

Why don’t you go see Eastern Oregon University, Western Oregon University, and Southern Oregon University? Throw in two dueling Town Halls at University of Oregon and Oregon State University… one before the debates and one after?

Eugene and Portland get PLENTY of attention.

Editor’s Note

Right Now Oregon, LLC President Alex McHaddad is the Treasurer of Young Republicans of Oregon, which endorsed Senator Christine Drazan for Governor. Right Now Oregon has not made an endorsement in Oregon’s 2026 gubernatorial race and does not intend to endorse any candidate.