Christine Drazan, a Republican representative widely considered a top contender in the 2026 governor’s race, has been appointed to the Oregon Senate.

In a meeting of commissioners from four counties on Thursday, Drazan beat out two other candidates to take over an open seat representing Senate District 26.

Political promotion from the House to the Senate is common practice in Salem, but Drazan’s upward mobility comes with a wrinkle: Drazan is expected to announce another bid for governor in the near future. She held a meeting on the subject with trusted lobbyists on Tuesday, according to three Republican sources.

Should she follow through, Drazan could be on a collision course for a rematch with her political archrival: Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat who defeated Drazan in 2022’s governor race. Kotek is also expected to seek reelection.

Even if she does opt to pursue the governor’s office, the Senate holds a distinct advantage for Drazan. Senators, unlike state representatives, are allowed to raise political cash during legislative sessions, meaning Drazan could retain influence as a sitting lawmaker next year while still building a campaign war chest.

For now, Drazan will fill the seat for Senate District 26, which spans from The Dalles west through the Columbia River Gorge to parts of Clackamas and Multnomah counties.

The seat was vacated earlier this month when former Senate Minority leader Daniel Bonham resigned to take a job in the Trump administration. Bonham endorsed Drazan to replace him.

“I am anxious and ready to do the job on behalf of our shared communities,” Drazan said during Thursday’s meeting.

At that hearing, commissioners from four counties interviewed Drazan and two other candidates: State Rep. Jeff Helfrich – like Drazan, a former House Republican leader – and John Grant, chair of the Wasco County GOP.

Commissioners from Clackamas, Multnomah, Wasco and Hood River counties had authority to appoint Bonham’s replacement, because SD 26 touches all four counties. Of the 18 commissioners, 11 voted for Helfrich while 7 voted for Drazan. Drazan ultimately prevailed because each commissioner from Clackamas County voted for her. Their votes carried more weight because the county has more residents who live in the state senate district.

Drazan has emerged over the years as one of Oregon’s most influential Republican politicians, all while Democrats hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers and the governor’s mansion. Like other Republicans, she has frequently criticized Oregon’s use of taxpayer money to tackle ongoing issues like homelessness, housing, transportation and the economy.

During her interview with commissioners on Thursday, Drazan portrayed herself as a bipartisan policymaker who wants to rekindle Oregon’s economy by holding state agencies accountable and cutting regulations and taxes to make the state business-friendly.

“The future is in our hands here,” said Drazan. “We can turn this thing around.”

Drazan’s potential gubernatorial bid came up during Thursday’s meeting. Hood River County Commissioner Jennifer Euwer asked the candidates: “Given recent rumors, how can you allay our fears that you won’t have time to serve the residents of this district rather than focusing on running for statewide office?”

Laughing, Euwer added: “The question is really specific to one of you.”

Drazan did not directly answer the question, but noted: “I am always somebody that is going to give my absolute all and my absolute best to anything I undertake.”

She added, “I would not have accepted Sen. Bonham’s endorsement and been willing to take on the responsibility that he so dearly loved to represent this senate seat if I were not completely committed to doing my best by the constituents in Senate District 26.”

After Thursday’s vote, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr issued a statement congratulating her.

“Christine Drazan is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the challenges facing Oregon families,” Starr said. “She has shown time and again that she’s willing to stand up for her community and fight for a better path forward for our state.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/23/republican-christine-drazan-appointed-oregon-senate/