Who Will Run for Oregon Governor in 2026?

Overview of the Oregon Governor's Race

In the upcoming May 19 election, voters in Oregon will see a long list of candidates running for governor. Both Democrats and Republicans have submitted their names, with a total of 10 Democratic candidates and 14 Republican candidates on the ballot. These candidates come from various backgrounds, with differing levels of political experience and financial resources.

Here is a detailed look at the candidates running for the governorship.

Democratic Candidates Running for Oregon Governor

Gov. Tina Kotek

As the current governor, Kotek is the only Democratic candidate with political experience and significant financial backing. She has also been the only Democrat to submit a statement for the voters' pamphlet. Her tenure as governor has focused on addressing homelessness, implementing a ban on cellphones in schools, and creating a new council for business development. Kotek has emphasized housing, education, and behavioral health as key priorities. If reelected, she plans to continue standing up for Oregon values against the federal government.

Forest (Fora) Alexander

Alexander is a political director for 3D Collective and describes herself as a "street rabbi." She has stated that her priorities include affordability, transparency, and equity.

James Atkinson IV

Atkinson aims to address the needs of both urban and rural communities. He has 20 years of sales experience and ran for Portland mayor in 2024.

Donnie Beckwith

Beckwith has worked as a coach and in construction. According to his filings, he has filed for bankruptcy three times.

David Beem

Beem is a disability activist who has received numerous civic awards. He ran for governor in 2022 and for Oregon House District 17 in 2024.

Brittany Jones

Jones is the founder of The Ravens Party, a nonprofit focused on Indigenous people. She has been involved in lawsuits and emphasizes the separation of church and state. She ran for president in 2024.

Cal Kishawi

Kishawi owns K&M Moving and Logistics, LLC, a moving company in Grants Pass.

Steve William Laible

Laible has self-published several children's books and spent 22 years in the Air Force. He describes himself as a "keynote listener" focused on Oregon's homelessness crisis.

Tristan Sheppard

Sheppard is a volunteer EMT and firefighter who works as a self-employed consultant. He emphasizes service over politics.

Miranda Weigler

Weigler is a consultant who previously had a cannabis business. She describes her campaign as a "public experiment" and "civic art."

Republican Candidates Running for Oregon Governor

Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell

Bethell believes Oregon needs an executive, not a legislator, as governor. She has led one of the state's largest counties and prioritizes affordability. Bethell and her husband filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2008.

Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio

Diehl joined the race after leading the gas tax referendum. His top issues are agency accountability, affordability, and a thriving economy.

Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby

Drazan believes she is the best candidate to challenge Kotek again. Her priorities are affordability and accountability.

Chris Dudley

Dudley, a former Portland Trail Blazer, is running for a second time. His priorities include education, the economy, and livability.

Kyle Duyck

Duyck describes himself as a "Genomics Researcher, General United States Army, King of Russia." He filed an initiative to amend Oregon’s constitution but has not yet met the signature requirements. He was convicted of criminal mischief in 2021 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2022.

Brad Peters

Peters is a software engineer who wants to lead Oregon in AI and automation. He aims to revolutionize education and develop renewable resources.

David Medina

Medina, a conservative social media influencer, was pardoned after charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. He plans to launch a DOGE-style audit at every level of government.

Paul Romero Jr

Romero is a Navy veteran and has run for office multiple times. He filed for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Martin Ward

Ward would seek to make abortion and gender-affirming care illegal and raise costs on same-sex marriages. He ran for Portland mayor in 2024.

Hope Dalrymple

Dalrymple filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy twice.

Robert Neuman

Neuman has run for office before and faced legal issues, including a $5,000 fine for recreational vehicle habitation. He has a history of convictions.

DeAngelo Turner

Turner was convicted of murder and released from prison in 2025. He served 32 years for a 1993 crime.

Wen Waddell

Waddell is a paralegal who studied criminal justice. She ran because she knows "what it means to struggle." She filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2022.

Tim Youker

Youker has worked various jobs, including as a clown and truck driver. He has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy twice.

How Candidates File to Run for Oregon Governor

To be eligible to run for governor, a person must be registered with their political party, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in Oregon for at least three years prior to the election. Filing to run costs $100 or requires 1,000 signatures. Gubernatorial candidates must pay $3,000 or collect 500 signatures to add a statement to the voters' pamphlet.