Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent results of the races, some of which were delayed.
SALEM (Oregon Right to Life) — Results from Oregon’s May 19 primary election have shown that Republican voters across the state have chosen to advance pro-life candidates to the general election in November.
In the most-watched race of the cycle, pro-choice Republican Chris Dudley was defeated. Pro-life Republican Christine Drazan was sent forward for a rematch against Tina Kotek in November.
“Chris Dudley stated numerous times, on record, that he was running as a pro-choice Republican,” Oregon Right to Life Political Director Sharolyn Smith said in a May 19 press statement. “Later, he tried to insist he was pro-life, but reiterated that he doesn’t think the government should be involved in protecting unborn lives. Pro-life voters saw right through it. Today, they rejected Chris Dudley’s bid for governor.”
And Dudley’s defeat wasn’t the only pro-life victory. In total, ORTL PAC endorsed candidates in 68 races in the 2026 primary election, 58 of whom have won – though vote counts will not be officially finalized until June 15.
“Tonight’s results make clear that Oregon’s Republican voters are committed to sending forward lawmakers who will represent their pro-life values and advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable,” Smith said.
View a list of ORTL PAC-supported primary winners in contested primary election races below (these candidates will join a more expansive list of ORTL PAC-supported candidates and incumbents in the general election in November).
U.S. Congress
CD 2 – U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz
CD 5 – Commissioner Patti Adair
U.S. Senate
Senator David Brock Smith
Governor
Senator Christine Drazan
State House
HD 3 – Representative Dwayne Yunker
HD 9 – Claire Lynn (who defeated a pro-choice competitor)
HD 11 – Ken Jackola
HD 17 – Dan Farrington
HD 18 – Amanda Staehely
HD 21 – Representative Kevin Mannix
HD 32 – Max Sherman
HD 51 – Representative Matt Bunch
HD 57 – Representative Greg Smith
State Senate:
SD 6 – Jack TibbettsSD 16 – Courtney Bangs
County Commissioner:
Clackamas County Position 2 – Paul Savas in runoff with former Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull. Both are pro-life.
Douglas County Position 1 – Tom Kress
Douglas County Position 2 – Tim J. Freeman
Douglas County Position 3 – Chris Boice in runoff with Steve Hammerson
West Lane County – Ryan Ceniga
East Lane County – Jake Pelroy in runoff with pro-choice incumbent Heather Buch
Polk County Position 2 – John Swanson
Yamhill County Position 1 – Kit Johnston
Oregon Right To Life PAC advocates for the most vulnerable human beings whose right to life is denied or abridged under current law by electing pro-life officials at all levels of government. To learn more about ORTL PAC or to get involved, visit ortlpac.org.
