Democrats were rattled after a shocking poll was released in a traditional blue-state stronghold.
A recent poll conducted by Nelson Research found that Republican candidate Christine Drazan is leading Democrat TinaKoteck in the race for governor in Oregon.
Christine Drazan
Drazan is leading the field polling at 30%, Kotek is polling at 28%, and Independent Betsy Johnson is at around 19%.
2022 OR Governor General Election
Christine Drazan (R) 30%
Tina Kotek (D) 28%
Betsy Johnson (I) 19%Nelson Research / 516 LV
05/25-05/27 / Sample: D40/R34/I26https://t.co/uAY9mzvwXK— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) June 1, 2022
Nelson did not release any data explaining why voters felt the way that they did however, many feel it could be because of what happened in 2020.
Experts believe Drazan is leading because Oregon had some of the strictest COVID restrictions in the country. Some also believe that a Republican candidate is winning because crime in Portland has spiked and little has been done to curb it.
On her website Drazan attacked Democrats:
Governor Brown made the wrong decision when she chose a never-ending state of emergency and heavy-handed mandates. I opposed her mask and vaccine mandates and repeatedly urged her to repeal them. Oregonians understand how to make decisions for themselves and their families – they don’t need their state government telling them how to live their life.
Violent crime in Oregon is out of control, especially in Portland, which is experiencing an all-time high in murders. When police were being attacked, Kate Brown and Portland politicians ignored it. Under my administration, the days of treating police like criminals and criminals like victims will end.
I will support law enforcement, the overwhelming majority of whom do their jobs with courage and distinction, and I will increase funding for our state troopers. I will ensure that laws are being enforced fairly. And when Portland politicians refuse to stop the nightly riots and bring peace to the streets, as Governor, I will.
If Drazan can pull off a victory she would be the first Republican to win the gubernatorial race in 40 years.
