Top Oregon GOP gubernatorial candidates set to debate in Hillsboro this week

KTVZ+ plans to livestream the event featuring the four leading Republican candidates

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the Oregon state capitol building repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of deep green, orange, and blue, conveying the rapid political changes and high-stakes nature of the upcoming gubernatorial election.As Oregon Republicans vie for the governorship, a fractured, kinetic painting captures the high-stakes political drama unfolding in the state.Salem Today

The top four leading candidates for the Republican nomination in Oregon's 2026 gubernatorial race are set to debate each other for the first time on Thursday evening. The event, hosted by the Oregon Republican Party, will take place in Hillsboro and KTVZ News plans to livestream the 90-minute debate on KTVZ+.

Why it matters

Oregon has not elected a Republican governor since the 1980s, and only two Republicans have won statewide since 2000. However, the current Democratic governor, Tina Kotek, has ranked among the most unpopular governors nationwide, according to polling. This debate provides an important opportunity for the Republican candidates to introduce themselves to the state's more than 730,000 registered GOP voters ahead of the upcoming primary election.

The details

The debate will feature Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, state Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, and former NBA player Chris Dudley. The candidates are expected to face questions around four major issues: housing and homelessness, business and industry, forestry and environment, and community and safety. One notable absence from the debate will be David Medina, the conservative influencer and Jan. 6 rioter who faced charges but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.

  • The debate is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2026.
  • The deadline to register to vote or change one's party affiliation in Oregon is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and state officials will begin mailing ballots the following day.

The players

Danielle Bethell

Marion County Commissioner and one of the four leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor.

Ed Diehl

State Representative from Scio, Oregon and one of the four leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor.

Christine Drazan

State Senator from Canby, Oregon and one of the four leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor.

Chris Dudley

Former NBA player and one of the four leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor. Dudley previously ran for governor in 2010, coming within 23,000 votes of defeating the Democratic candidate.

Tina Kotek

The current Democratic governor of Oregon, who has ranked among the most unpopular governors nationwide according to polling.

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What they’re saying

“At a time when our state is facing serious challenges — including struggling education outcomes, rising costs of living, high taxes, substance abuse issues, and businesses leaving Oregon — this debate provides voters with an important opportunity to evaluate new ideas and leadership approaches, and to consider the direction they want for themselves, their families, and the future of our state.”

— Connie Whelchel, Chair of the Oregon Republican Party

“Selfishly, it helps our debate with the level of interest. The Oregon Republican Party typically has not done its own debate and relied on other entities to do forums and debates, and so this the first one that we've done, I think, in over a decade.”

— Dan Mason, National Committeeperson for the Oregon Republican Party

“Honestly if I wanted to be on those minimum qualifications I would have taken big checks a long time ago, but unfortunately they came with strings, and I made a promise to you that this would be a grassroots-funded campaign.”

— David Medina, Conservative Influencer and Jan. 6 Rioter

What’s next

After the 90-minute debate, candidates have been invited to a spin room where they can take questions and address the press. Bethell and Diehl have confirmed their attendance at the post-debate press event.

The takeaway

This debate represents a critical opportunity for the Republican candidates to introduce themselves to Oregon voters and present their vision for the state. With the current Democratic governor's unpopularity, the GOP sees a chance to end their long drought in statewide elections, but they will need to overcome the state's Democratic lean to do so.