While Jefferson County voters sorted out local races on May 19, statewide results from Oregon’s primary election will also shape the political landscape for this community. Here’s what Jefferson County residents need to know about key state and federal outcomes.

Governor’s Race: Drazan–Kotek Rematch

Oregon state Senator Christine Drazan won a crowded Republican primary with over 43 percent of the vote and will challenge Democratic incumbent Governor Tina Kotek in the November general election.

Drazan, a former Republican House Minority Leader from Canby, narrowly lost to Kotek in 2022 by roughly 67,000 votes out of nearly 1.8 million cast — the closest Oregon gubernatorial race in decades. She claimed her primary victory at an election night party.

“This is about giving our state back to the people of Oregon,” Drazan said.

Jefferson County, which voted heavily for Drazan in 2022, will again be a county of interest for both campaigns as they build toward November.

Congressional District 2: Bentz vs. Beck

Incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz, who represents Oregon’s sprawling 2nd Congressional District — which includes Jefferson County — advanced from the Republican primary and is on track for a November matchup against Democrat Chris Beck, who emerged from a crowded Democratic field.

Bentz has represented the district since 2021. The 2nd District covers most of eastern and southern Oregon by geography and has been reliably Republican in recent cycles.

Gas Tax Measure Fails Decisively

Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure 120, which would have raised the state gas tax to fund road and bridge maintenance. More than 83 percent of voters statewide voted against the measure.

The defeat sends the Oregon Legislature back to the drawing board to find transportation funding solutions. With gas prices already high and rural communities like those in Jefferson County highly car-dependent, the measure faced steep opposition from the start. The failure leaves a significant gap in the state’s transportation infrastructure funding picture heading into the 2027 legislative session.

Looking Ahead to November

With primary results now largely in, the November 3, 2026 general election will feature a rematch at the top of the ticket, a competitive congressional race, and a deeply contested Jefferson County sheriff’s race. Primary results will be officially certified on June 25.