Canby state representative and former House Republican leader Christine Drazan has announced that her campaign has raised more than $1 million in the 2022 race for governor.
While the newest candidate to dive into the crowded field and less than one month removed from her official campaign kickoff on January 4, Drazan is the first Republican to eclipse that threshold. She also leads the GOP field in cash-on-hand by a wide margin.
“I’m so grateful to the many Oregonians that have helped us get off to a fast start in this race,” she said in a press release from her campaign. “Whether you have supported my candidacy with your time or money, please know that your contributions are helping turn our state around.”
As of Thursday, Drazan’s campaign had raised more than $1,033,000 and was leading the field in cash-on-hand by a more than 2:1 margin, with over $870,000 in the bank, according to the release.
Campaign manager Trey Rosser said the support is “a testament to the kind of leader she is and how well her message is resonating with Oregonians
“Everywhere we go, folks are inspired by her vision for our state and her passion for putting the people back in charge of their state government,” he said. “Oregonians recognize that, with Christine as our governor, change is coming to Oregon on Day One.”
In terms of fundraising, Drazan’s closest Republican competition is Lake Oswego political consultant Bridget Barton, who had raised $540,000 and had $372,000 available as of last week. Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam had raised $750,000 but had only $250,000 on hand, while Salem oncologist and 2016 GOP gubernatorial nominee Bud Pierce had hauled in $850,000, about one-third of which came from his personal coffers, and spent more than $700,000 of it.
Drazan will have more time and energy to devote to her campaign next week, after resigning her seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. Republican precinct committee members in Clackamas and Marion counties will nominate three to five candidates for Drazan’s seat, and county commissioners will pick one to serve until the end of her term in January 2023.
Because the process is expected to take a few weeks, Canby’s House District 39 seat will be unrepresented for at least part of the 2022 legislative short session, which kicks off Tuesday, February 1. Drazan’s resignation takes effect the day before, due to House rules that bar lawmakers from fundraising during session.