Christine Drazen wins Oregon GOP primary for governor, setting up rematch with Democratic Gov.

State Senator Christine Drazen has won the Republican nomination for Oregon governor.

NBC News projects, setting her up for a rematch, this time against Democratic governor Tina Kotek.

Drazen emerged from the 14-candidate GOP primary field to advance to the general election. While she would be the underdog in a traditionally blue state, Drazen lost to Kotek by less than 4 points in 2022.

Oregon voters have not elected anyone Republican as governor since 1982. And Kamala Harris carried the state by 14 points in the 2024 presidential election.

Before her election to the state senate, Drazen previously served in the state house, where she led the Republicans. He has emphasised economic issues, such as reducing the cost of living and housing, in his campaign.

Among the candidates who defeated Drazen was former NBA player and financial planner Chris Dudley. Dudley was the GOP nominee for governor in 2010, when he lost to former Democratic governor John Kitzhaber by less than 2 points.