Tina
Kotek

As of Oct. 9, Kotek reported about $14.3 million in contributions during 2026, $13.3 million in spending, and $3.4 million cash on hand. Her campaign spent $5.8 million in September, more than in the previous eight months combined. The Democratic Governors Association gave $1.5 million in September, bringing its 2026 total to $4 million; SEIU 503 contributed $1 million during the year.

With the race close, Kotek's campaign engaged friendly social media influencers to broaden outreach and spread her message to new audiences.

A DHM Research poll had Kotek at 46% and Drazan at 44% (±4.2 points). A Kotek campaign internal poll by GBAO had Kotek at 46% and Drazan at 42% (±3.5 points). Both leads were within the margins of error. OPB described these as the first publicly released polls to show Kotek ahead.

The second debate focused on affordability, schools, homelessness, taxes, and data centers. Kotek said she would seek money to increase K–12 instructional time and was open to changing the corporate activity tax formula without losing revenue. Both candidates said they opposed a sales tax and favored a moratorium on new data centers.

Kotek and Drazan debated at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Topics included housing, affordability, education, climate, and data centers. Kotek accused Drazan of not believing in climate change; Drazan called the accusation 'absurd.'

An OPB poll found Drazan ahead of Kotek by one point, within the margin of error, making the race virtually tied.

Kotek's campaign announced additional organizational support from the Oregon Nurses Association, SEIU Oregon, the Oregon Labor Federation, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and other unions and advocacy groups.

Oregon Roundup reported that Drazan had criticized Kotek over data centers in a campaign ad shortly before Kotek's Sept. 8 announcement. The outlet noted the timing but did not independently establish why Kotek changed her position.

Kotek's campaign announced endorsements from Lane County elected officials including Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson, Lane County commissioners Laurie Trieger and Pat Farr, and several state legislators.

Kotek announced support for a moratorium on new data centers and directed state agencies to pause requests involving state land for such projects. She said a broader statewide moratorium would require legislative action, marking a shift from her earlier approach of waiting for a state advisory committee's recommendations.