Republican Candidates for Governor Face Off at Hillsboro Forum

The four leading GOP candidates debated Oregon issues, but avoided Trump and abortion

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A warm, cinematic painting depicting an empty political debate stage or podium, with soft lighting and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The Republican candidates for Oregon governor gathered for a forum, presenting their distinct visions for the state in a subdued, formal setting.Hillsboro Today

The four leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor - Danielle Bethell, Ed Diehl, Christine Drazan, and Chris Dudley - gathered for a forum in Hillsboro on April 16. The event, sponsored by the Oregon Republican Party, marked the first opportunity for voters to see the candidates together on stage. The candidates discussed topics like education, taxes, housing, and public safety, but avoided controversial issues like abortion and former President Trump.

Why it matters

The Republican primary for Oregon governor is an important race that will shape the state's political landscape. With the Democratic frontrunner, Tina Kotek, already declared, this forum provided voters a chance to compare the GOP candidates and their policy positions ahead of the primary election.

The details

The forum was designed to minimize friction between the candidates, with them seated at individual tables rather than standing at lecterns. The moderators, Bruce Sussman and Angela Todd, asked questions about key issues like education, taxes, housing, and public safety. However, the candidates were not asked about abortion or former President Trump, two topics that have been divisive within the Republican party. Candidate Danielle Bethell took some subtle jabs at her opponents, while Christine Drazan positioned herself as the candidate best equipped to take on Democrat Tina Kotek in the general election. Chris Dudley emphasized his outsider status, while Ed Diehl touted his success in gathering signatures to refer a gas tax increase.

  • The forum took place on April 16, 2026 in Hillsboro, Oregon.
  • The candidates are scheduled for at least two more joint appearances, at the Dorchester Conference at Mt. Hood Resort on April 25 and the KOIN/Portland City Club debate on May 4.

The players

Danielle Bethell

Marion County Commissioner and plumbing company owner.

Ed Diehl

State Representative from Stayton and engineer who built and sold two companies.

Christine Drazan

State Senator from Canby and former House Minority Leader, the 2022 Republican nominee for governor.

Chris Dudley

Former Portland Trail Blazers player and the 2010 Republican nominee for governor, who now works in wealth management.

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What they’re saying

“The number one question here tonight is who can beat Tina Kotek. I have gone toe to toe with her in the Legislature.”

— Christine Drazan, State Senator

“We need to go to where people agree, rather than where they disagree.”

— Chris Dudley

“There are 120,000 Republicans on the bench who don't vote and another 120,000 conservative non-affiliated voters. I'm going to work Portland voters like no other Republican has—the common ground is taxes.”

— Ed Diehl, State Representative

What’s next

The candidates are scheduled for at least two more joint appearances, at the Dorchester Conference at Mt. Hood Resort on April 25 and the KOIN/Portland City Club debate on May 4.

The takeaway

This forum provided voters an early look at the Republican candidates for Oregon governor, highlighting their policy positions and campaign strategies. While the candidates avoided divisive national issues, they presented distinct visions for the state that will be further tested in upcoming debates and the primary election.