Who Is Running for Governor of Oregon in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Tina Kotek
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Tina Kotek is focused on economic growth and job creation, outlining her "Prosperity Roadmap" for 2026. Her strategy aims to retain and grow Oregon businesses, catalyze job creation, and accelerate economic growth. Plans include accelerating permitting, modernizing economic development tools, and appointing a Chief Prosperity Officer and an Oregon Prosperity Council. Kotek states her goal is to "create an economy that works for everyone, an economy where innovation thrives, families prosper, and no one gets left behind."
Immigration
HighGovernor Tina Kotek, along with 31 Oregon mayors, called for a pause on federal immigration enforcement, reaffirming the state's sanctuary law and stating, "We stand with you. You belong here." She also signed an executive order creating the Interagency Council for Immigrant and Refugee Coordination. This initiative aims to align state agencies in supporting immigrant and refugee communities, ensuring families are protected and can access essential services without fear.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Tina Kotek's administration has taken steps to shield Oregonians' credit scores from medical debt and ban hidden junk fees. She launched the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health issues. Kotek signed Senate Bill 951, which enacts strict limits on corporate influence in healthcare to keep providers and the delivery system local. She also supports House Bill 4083 to remove barriers for mental health and addiction professionals, aiming to expand access to care.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Tina Kotek |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Tina Kotek is focused on economic growth and job creation, outlining her "Prosperity Roadmap" for 2026. Her strategy aims to retain and grow Oregon businesses, catalyze job creation, and accelerate economic growth. Plans include accelerating permitting, modernizing economic development tools, and appointing a Chief Prosperity Officer and an Oregon Prosperity Council. Kotek states her goal is to "create an economy that works for everyone, an economy where innovation thrives, families prosper, and no one gets left behind." High |
| Immigration | Governor Tina Kotek, along with 31 Oregon mayors, called for a pause on federal immigration enforcement, reaffirming the state's sanctuary law and stating, "We stand with you. You belong here." She also signed an executive order creating the Interagency Council for Immigrant and Refugee Coordination. This initiative aims to align state agencies in supporting immigrant and refugee communities, ensuring families are protected and can access essential services without fear. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Tina Kotek's administration has taken steps to shield Oregonians' credit scores from medical debt and ban hidden junk fees. She launched the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health issues. Kotek signed Senate Bill 951, which enacts strict limits on corporate influence in healthcare to keep providers and the delivery system local. She also supports House Bill 4083 to remove barriers for mental health and addiction professionals, aiming to expand access to care. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-26 to prioritize and accelerate the adoption of climate resilient strategies across state programs, aiming to deliver benefits for communities and ecosystems. She articulated that Oregon's natural and working lands can sequester more carbon, and her policies seek to protect priority lands and waters. The Governor also directed landowners to manage their landscapes to withstand and recover from climate change impacts. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Tina Kotek consistently supports abortion rights and advocates for reproductive health care access, stating that abortion is health care and everyone should have access to it. She championed and helped pass Oregon's Reproductive Health Equity Act in 2017, codifying abortion access into state law. Kotek also supports a $15 million state fund to help patients from Oregon and other states access reproductive health care. She is endorsed by organizations such as Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon and Pro-Choice Oregon. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Tina Kotek has prioritized education, advocating for increased accountability and funding. She proposed an $11.4 billion budget for the 2025-27 school years and signed bills aimed at improving student success through performance targets and spending oversight. Her plan allows state education officials to intervene in struggling schools, potentially directing up to 25% of a district’s budget if targets are not met over four years, stating, "I don’t believe in writing a blank check." High |
| Gun Policy | Governor Tina Kotek signed the Community Safety Firearms Act (SB 243) into law, banning rapid-fire devices and clarifying concealed carry regulations, stating that gun violence is preventable and people deserve to feel safe. She champions measures like universal background checks and red flag laws. Kotek was endorsed by Giffords PAC for her track record in advancing gun violence prevention policies. High |
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