SALEM, Ore. (May. 29, 2026) — Oregon Republicans sought to project party unity Thursday as candidates, lawmakers and activists gathered in Salem to formally pivot from a contentious primary season toward the November general election.
The Oregon Republican Party, alongside the Senate and House Republican caucuses, hosted a private “GOP Unity Luncheon” that brought together Republican nominees, unsuccessful primary candidates, elected officials and grassroots organizers from across the state.
The event came weeks after Republicans finalized several closely watched primary contests, including the gubernatorial race, where former House Minority Leader Christine Drazan secured the party’s nomination.
During the luncheon, Drazan publicly thanked her former primary opponents — former NBA player Chris Dudley, businessman Ed Diehl, David Medina and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell — for their campaigns and support of Republican priorities. Organizers said each candidate pledged support for Drazan heading into the general election.
“Now that the primary is behind us, the real fight begins,” Drazan said in a statement released after the event. “I’m grateful to see Republicans from across Oregon united around the shared goal of making Oregon the best state in the nation to live, work, raise a family and get a world class education.”
Drazan is expected to challenge Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek this fall in what Republicans hope will become a competitive statewide race.
The luncheon underscored the Republican Party’s effort to consolidate support after the primary election and focus attention on issues party leaders believe could resonate with voters, including public safety, education, business regulations and the rising cost of living.
“Our candidates made tremendous sacrifices to step forward and serve Oregon, and this event was about gratitude, unity, and focusing our energy on the larger mission ahead,” Oregon Republican Party Chair Connie Whelchel said.
Republican legislative leaders also used the gathering to frame the November election as an opportunity to challenge Democratic control of state government.
“This election is bigger than any one of us,” House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer said. “If we stand united — nominees and former candidates, House and Senate, county parties and grassroots leaders — we can restore balance in Salem and deliver the course correction Oregon desperately needs.”
Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr said Republicans believe voters are increasingly frustrated with one-party control in the state Capitol.
“Our neighbors are counting on Republicans to offer real solutions and responsible leadership,” Starr said. “When Republicans are united, we not only win elections — we give Oregonians a credible, common-sense alternative to one-party rule in Salem.”
The event included candidates from races across Oregon, including nominees and candidates defeated in the primary, as party officials worked to strengthen relationships ahead of the fall campaign season.
Republicans have faced challenges in statewide elections in recent years, with Democrats maintaining control of the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature. GOP leaders at Thursday’s luncheon argued that economic concerns and dissatisfaction with state leadership could create new opportunities for Republican candidates in November.
Organizers said the event focused on encouraging collaboration between campaigns, county parties and grassroots organizations as the party prepares for the general election campaign.
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