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Oregon News
2026 ELECTION
Editorial endorsement May 2026: Republicans should choose Christine Drazan for a gubernatorial rematch
The Oregonian Editorial Board
Republicans who want the best shot at defeating Kotek, who faces only nominal competition in the Democratic primary, should turn to Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, to reprise her run from four years ago. With no well-funded third-party candidate to take votes from both candidates this time around, a Drazan-Kotek matchup would give Oregonians a competitive head-to-head contest showcasing their different strategies for strengthening the state.
These Republicans think they can upset Gov. Tina Kotek this fall. Which one will get the chance?
The Oregonian | By Carlos Fuentes
Sen. Christine Drazan and former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley know better than most that Republicans have for decades struggled to win election to any of Oregon’s statewide offices. Both have previously run for governor and lost.
Yet the two are among those leading this year’s primary field of Republicans vying for a chance to capitalize on Gov. Tina Kotek’s unpopularity and pull off a historic upset this fall. Both have said they believe they are the only Republican who can do so, despite their previous losses.
Editorial endorsement May 2026: Reelect Christina Stephenson as Oregon labor commissioner
The Oregonian Editorial Board
Her opponent, Chris Lynch, offers a credible alternative, despite his low profile and nearly nonexistent fundraising.
But we are wary of yet another leadership change at an agency that desperately needs continuity in vision and action. Voters should choose stability and reelect Stephenson.
Stapleton, Alonso León vie for Democratic nomination in state Senate race
Statesman Journal | By Tracy Loew
Former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton and former state Rep. Teresa Alonso León are vying to be the Democratic candidate for Oregon Senate District 11.
The winner will take on Republican Tracy Cramer, who is running unopposed in the May 19 primary election.
Who are the candidates running for Oregon House District 18?
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo
A retired educator, a nursery owner, a Hubbard city councilor and a small-business owner and former policy analyst are among the Republican candidates competing for Oregon House District 18 in the May 19 election.
Nearly 100 Democrats vie for party’s nomination in legislative races ahead of May primary
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Baumhardt
Nearly 100 Democrats are vying for the party’s nomination in the May primary to be the next, or returning, Oregon state representative or senator in 75 races across the state.
As GOP candidates spar to be Oregon governor, some nominations pose an uphill battle
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri
A Jan. 6 rioter is among the 10 candidates who failed to make the stage for the GOP governor’s race’s first major debate last week.
Who are the candidates running for Oregon's 5th Congressional District?
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo
Two Republicans are competing for the chance to flip Oregon's Fifth Congressional District red after incumbent U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, successfully unseated Lori Chavez-DeRemer in 2024.
Chief deputy DA is lone candidate for Marion County District Attorney
Statesman Journal | By Bill Poehler
Longtime Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy is running unopposed for Marion County District Attorney in the May 19 election.
Paige Clarkson, who became Marion County district attorney when she was appointed by Gov. Kate Brown in 2018, is not running for reelection and has endorsed Murphy.
POLITICS
Kotek signs bill for Moda Center project, puts pressure on City Council: ‘Not a time to play politics’
The Oregonian | By Bill Oram
The Trail Blazers may be one game away from being bounced from the playoffs, but Gov. Tina Kotek believes the state and city are aligned on a plan to keep the team in Portland.
Kotek said she expects the Portland City Council to lock in its contribution to the expansive funding package for Moda Center renovations within the next six weeks, with the Rose Festival circled as a symbolic target.
“This is not a time to play politics,” Kotek told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “This is a time to get it done.”
Kotek was joined by local leaders and team officials at Moda Center on Monday to sign Senate Bill 1501, the bipartisan legislation that establishes joint ownership of Moda Center between the city and the state and allows the state to contribute $365 million toward renovations through taxpayer-backed bonds.
Pacific Seafood says Oregon DEQ ‘out of control’ after company hit with $3.2 million in fines
KPTV | By Ward Jolles
Pacific Seafood disputes that account and strongly criticizes the agency’s approach.
“Oregon DEQ is out of control and this fine is another example of the agency making it impossible to do business in this state,” the company said in a statement attributed to its senior director of environmental, health and safety, Amy Wentworth.
Oregon State Parks approves new rules for drone use, after 4 years of deliberation
The Oregonian | By Jamie Hale
After years of deliberation, collaboration and public comment, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has approved new rules for drone operation in state parks.
‘OPB Politics Now’: Major budget cuts loom over Portland area
OPB | By Bryce Dole, Alex Zielinski, Andrew Theen
Local governments in the Portland metro area are having serious money problems. To fill their massive budget gaps, leaders are proposing to cut hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars for government programs. What will this mean for the Rose City and the region’s future?
Cuts proposed for Portland police sent chief through ‘five stages of grief about 48 times,’ he says
The Oregonian | By Isabel Funk
As Portland leaders delve deeper this week into city budget discussions, Police Chief Bob Day will continue to occupy the unenviable role of seeking to protect the Police Bureau’s funding while avoiding a repeat of last year’s contentious City Council deal-making.
Embattled Judge Says Multnomah County District Attorney Is ‘Gaslighting’ Her
Willamette Week | By Aaron Mesh
Multnomah County Circuit Judge Adrian Brown contends that, contrary to the DA’s statements in the press, she was never actually sidelined from Measure 11 felony cases.
Why Portland’s veteran bicycle journalist Jonathan Maus is taking a break
OPB | By Lillian Karabaic
After more than two decades documenting Portland’s cycling culture, policy fights and everyday riders, Jonathan Maus is easing off the pedals.
As the founder and publisher of BikePortland.org, Maus helped shape how Portland understands bikes — not just as transportation, but as identity, community and politics.
This month, he announced a hiatus while he figures out his next act.
Rally, march planned for International Workers' Day 2026 in Salem
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo
International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is approaching.
In Oregon, advocates are urging people to gather at the Oregon State Capitol again on May 1 to show their support for workers' rights and protest mass deportations that have surged under President Donald Trump's administration.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Oregon’s lead economist talks state growth, stagnating job prospects
KOIN 6 | By Ken Boddie
Carl Riccadonna is the state’s lead economist, and he joined Eye on Northwest Politics to discuss Oregon’s economy.
Oregon retail jobs are falling 5 times faster than nationally
The Oregonian | By Mike Rogoway
Oregon retailers bounced back rapidly from the pandemic, recovering nearly all the jobs the industry lost in just a year. Wallets were open and Oregonians, flush with federal stimulus payments, were eager to spend.
It didn’t last.
Oregon retail employment began falling again about three years ago and is now down nearly 6% compared to 2019, according to state figures. Retail jobs are down nationally, too, but only by about 1%.
Small Oregon businesses are skeptical of Trump’s tariff reimbursements
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Mia Maldonado
Three McMinnville businesses Friday met with U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, to discuss trade.
HOMELESSNESS
Neighbors seek tighter oversight as Tigard shelter touts patrols and housing exits
KATU | By Jennifer Singh
The low barrier, year-round shelter on Southwest Hall Boulevard opened in March 2025 and offers 60 emergency shelter beds as well as counseling, mental health support, medical triage, hygiene services and employment training to more than 100 visitors per day.
Some neighbors are asking for more oversight of the shelter, claiming the shelter has decreased the overall livability of the area.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
Gresham community members shocked after guns, drugs found near elementary school
KOIN 6 | By Ariel Salk
Gresham community members are still in shock days after what authorities described as finding a car full of guns and drugs near an elementary school.
Police investigate NW Portland shooting Sunday morning that left 1 sent to hospital
KOIN 6 | By Danny Peterson
Police are investigating a shooting that took place in Northwest Portland on Sunday morning that resulted in one person being sent to the hospital.
Oregon work zone crashes hit 5-year high in 2024
OPB / KLCC | By Julia Boboc
In 2024, Oregon saw the highest rate of work zone crashes and fatalities in five years.
Matt Noble, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation, said all 621 crashes were avoidable, with most being caused by speeding or distracted driving.
EDUCATION
Tuition to rise for 12th year in a row at Oregon’s public universities
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Baumhardt
Annual undergraduate tuition for Oregon residents at the state’s seven public universities is expected to increase nearly $600 on average from the year before
HEALTH CARE
OHSU grapples with falling rank on patient safety measures
OPB | By Amelia Templeton
Ousted CEO claims he raised concerns about hospital conditions and care quality, while hospital leadership says it’s committed to zero harm.
National News
Leavitt blames Democrats' rhetoric for inciting violence after assassination attempt
KATU / The National News Desk
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt applauded President Donald Trump's “calm in the face of chaos” after a suspected shooter attempted to take his life for the third time at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, using the moment not only to condemn political violence but also to press an urgent case for strengthening national security funding.
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