SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Christine Drazan, conceded Friday that she has lost the race …
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan admitted Friday that she lost the race to Democrat Tina Kotek.
Drazan said the math shows that even with ballots left to count, she can’t win. She noted that Kotek received less than 50% of the vote, while independent candidate Betsy Johnson received a share.
“This is a unique moment in Oregon history and an extraordinary opportunity for leadership that recognizes the dynamics of this race, which requires moderation and inclusiveness moving forward,” Drazan said in a statement. “I have spoken with Tina Kotek and hope for the best for our state as she steps into this role.”
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said Friday that there have been no reports of widespread voter fraud.
Drazan was the Republican minority leader in the Oregon House of Representatives. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives. Johnson was a Democratic senator and left the party to run as an independent candidate, who collected enough voter signatures to get on the ballot.
Gov. Kate Brown was unable to run for re-election due to term limits. On Thursday, she congratulated Kotek, calling her “an advocate for working families who will fight to ensure that every Oregonian has a chance at a better future.”
Kotek joins Maura Healy of Massachusetts as the first openly lesbian women to be elected governor of the United States.
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