DeSantis Headlines Sold-Out Oregon Republican Party Dinner as Party Makes Case for Drazan

Oregon — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered the keynote address at the Oregon Republican Party’s 12th annual Reagan Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Hillsboro. The party said the event sold out as Republicans gathered ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The program featured Republican gubernatorial nominee Christine Drazan, U.S. Senate nominee David Brock Smith, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregon Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr and Oregon native Katie Harman Ebner, who was Miss America in 2002.

Oregon Republican Party Chair Connie Whelchel called the evening a sign of enthusiasm heading into the final weeks of the campaign. According to the party, DeSantis discussed his approach to governing Florida and developments during his tenure. Its release did not provide a transcript of his remarks or an attendance figure.

“This was an inspirational evening for Oregon Republicans,” said ORP Chair Connie Whelchel. “We were honored to welcome Governor DeSantis to Oregon and grateful to hear directly from a governor leading a state that is producing impressive results in a number of important areas. With a critical election just weeks away, it was exciting to see a sold-out room filled with Republicans who are energized, optimistic, and ready for the work ahead.”

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The party used the event to argue that Oregon should follow Florida’s example on taxes, spending, education and homelessness. It pointed to the Tax Foundation’s 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index, which ranks Florida fifth and Oregon 35th. Florida has no individual state income tax; Oregon’s top rate is 9.9%. Oregon, however, has no general sales tax. The index evaluates the structure of state tax systems, rather than measuring residents’ total tax bills or establishing that tax policy alone caused either state’s economic results.

On education, the party highlighted fourth-grade mathematics results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Florida students averaged 243 points, compared with 229 in Oregon. That comparison does not describe every grade and subject: in eighth-grade mathematics, Oregon averaged 268 and Florida 267.

The party also contrasted state budgets and homelessness rates, presenting those figures as evidence that Oregon needs a change in leadership. Differences between the states reflect more than any single governor’s decisions, and their budgets cover different fiscal periods and populations. The party’s conclusion that adopting Florida’s policies would reverse Oregon’s problems is a campaign argument.

The dinner also marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Party officials said national committeeman Dan Mason led the effort to organize the event and bring DeSantis to Oregon.