Kotek, Drazan hold final gubernatorial debate in Bend

Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan held their third and final debate for the Oregon governor’s race on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Bend. The event, hosted by KTVZ and moderated by anchor Lee Anderson, focused on issues specific to Central and Eastern Oregon, including housing, healthcare, and rural economic development.

Rural Issues and State Unity

The debate addressed concerns in Eastern Oregon, where some residents have expressed interest in seceding to join Idaho. Kotek emphasized her commitment to all regions of the state, citing her visits to each of Oregon’s 36 counties during her first year in office.

“No matter where you live in the state, I’m a governor for you,” Kotek said. “I will fight for you.”

Kotek also highlighted her efforts to protect the state’s Medicaid system from cuts under President Donald Trump. She argued that Drazan would align with the president rather than Oregon’s interests.

“My opponent and I don’t agree on some very key issues, and I think her record doesn’t back up what she says she will do,” Kotek said. “And for those really consequential, consequential things where we disagree, I think at the end of the day that she will choose to side with President Donald Trump and not with Oregon.”

Drazan, who grew up in Southern Oregon, criticized Kotek’s record on rural issues, citing a recent attempt to pass a gas tax increase and a 2020 climate change bill that Republicans blocked. Drazan argued that her personal experience in the region makes her better suited to represent rural voters.

“I won’t need to wait until I am elected to see what Oregon’s really about. I’ve lived it,” Drazan said. “I love this place, and I also recognize that for the people that are thinking Idaho is looking pretty good right now, it’s because Idaho actually provides opportunity.”

Housing and Homelessness

In Bend, where housing costs have risen significantly, both candidates offered different approaches to affordability and homelessness. Drazan proposed reducing building regulations and revising Oregon’s land use laws to encourage development.

“We can’t lose our communities and the culture within our communities, but we’ve got to do everything we can for government to get to ‘yes’ and get out of the way,” Drazan said.

Kotek stated that the government needs to simplify processes for housing construction but did not call for major regulatory overhauls. She pointed to recent increases in new housing units as evidence that the state is moving in the right direction.

“Sure, we need more, but we are compared to the rest of the country actually seeing increases,” Kotek said.

Regarding homelessness, Kotek noted that year-over-year homelessness was down 19% in Central Oregon, attributing this to her administration’s shelter and rehousing efforts. Drazan argued that the state’s approach needs to shift toward mandatory recovery and mental health treatment.

“The metrics have to be that someone has moved from homelessness into detox, into treatment, into long-term recovery, and the governor has failed to deliver this,” Drazan said. “My approach is to recognize that the actual challenge that we’re facing isn’t as simple as giving somebody a key to a tiny house.”

Healthcare and Water Rights

Healthcare funding was another key topic. Kotek criticized Drazan for voting against a state tax package that funds the Oregon Health Plan for low-income residents.

“My opponent has voted to defund the Oregon Health Plan and will not be supportive of saving the Oregon Health Plan,” Kotek said.

Drazan responded that she opposed the bill because it enacted new taxes, arguing that Democrats should find other ways to fund services using existing state money.

“The governor’s solution to every problem is a new tax,” Drazan said. “There are plenty of ways to fund these essential services to Oregonians. The governor made the decision to increase taxes to do it.”

The debate concluded with a discussion on water rights. Kotek suggested that the state’s water allocation system, established a century ago, may need examination due to changing conditions. Drazan advocated for a hands-off approach, emphasizing respect for existing water rights.

“Water is a fighting word,” Drazan said. “But I can tell you this: I respect water rights. I am not going to be the one to attach a meter to your well. I’m not going to be to be the one to put your farm at risk.”

Why it matters

The debate occurred just weeks before the Nov. 3 election, with polls indicating a tight contest between Kotek and Drazan. Ballots began going out to voters on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The candidates’ positions on rural issues, housing, and healthcare are central to their campaigns as they seek to appeal to voters across Oregon’s diverse regions.

---

Sources

• opb.org: Kotek, Drazan square off in final debate of governor’s race - OPB
• ktvz.com: Decision 2026: WATCH - Candidates for Oregon Governor Debate on KTVZ - KTVZ

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.