Oregon Sen. Christine Drazan targets Kotek, calls state policies anti-business

July 29, 2026 - 10:26

Oregon State Senator Christine Drazan is sharpening her attacks on Governor Tina Kotek, accusing the current administration of pushing policies that drive companies and jobs out of the state. Drazan, who is running to unseat Kotek in the next gubernatorial election, delivered a pointed speech this week where she vowed to overhaul how Oregon spends taxpayer money if elected.

The Republican lawmaker argued that the state's regulatory environment has become openly unfriendly to business owners. She pointed to recent tax increases and complex new mandates as key reasons why employers are choosing to relocate or scale back operations within Oregon. Drazan claimed that the state's leadership has prioritized ideological goals over practical economic growth, leaving small businesses and working families to shoulder the burden.

Instead of supporting job creators, Drazan said, the current administration has focused on expanding government programs without ensuring they deliver results. She promised to conduct a full audit of state spending to cut waste and redirect funds toward infrastructure and public safety. The senator also criticized Kotek's handling of the housing crisis, arguing that heavy-handed regulations have made it harder to build new homes.

Kotek's office has defended the governor's record, pointing to investments in education and workforce training. But Drazan dismissed those efforts as insufficient, insisting that Oregon needs a fundamental shift in direction to remain competitive with neighboring states. The exchange sets the stage for a heated campaign season, with both sides expected to clash over economic priorities in the months ahead.