5 takeaways for Oregon and Washington after Tuesday’s election

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek takes the stage to speak during the Democratic Party of Oregon’s election night party at the Portland Hilton on Nov. 3, 2026.
*Jenny Kane / OPB*

1. Oregon Democrats appear to have retained their four-decade hold on the governor’s mansion and maintained their supermajority in the Legislature

Though votes are still being tallied, Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek ended Tuesday night on a celebratory note with a 52% to 45% lead over Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan. If those initial results hold, Oregon Democrats will celebrate their 40th anniversary controlling the governor’s mansion on Jan. 12.

Oregon Democrats are also leading in state races that could help them maintain or even expand supermajority power in both the state Senate and the state House.

2. The ‘Blue Wave’ seems to have held for Southwest Washington’s Democrat in a moderate congressional district

As a “Blue Wave” elevated Democrats in U.S. House and Senate races nationwide, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez appeared to benefit in her moderate Southwest Washington district. Her race to maintain a hold on a district that voted for President Trump three times had been closely watched nationwide. Republican challenger John Braun had not conceded as of Tuesday night.

3. Oregon and Washington now have more political power in Washington, D.C.

With the U.S. Senate now controlled by Democrats, Oregon’s Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Washington’s Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are all poised to take on powerful roles on Senate committees that will shape government spending and new laws for at least the next two years.

Of particular note: Wyden, who has been outspoken for years about national security, will have increased sway in his role on the Intelligence Committee. And Merkley is the ranking senator on the Budget Committee, which sets fiscal policy and shapes the federal budget process.

4. There’s about to be a new sheriff in Clackamas County, while a familiar face leads in Deschutes sheriff’s race

In Clackamas County, James Rhodes held a 52%-48% lead over Brad O’Neil on Tuesday night in the race to fill out former Sheriff Angela’s Bradenburg’s term. Her resignation and the election have led to discord on the Clackamas County Commission.

Meanwhile, in Deschutes County, the man appointed interim sheriff appeared set to keep his job. Ty Rupert was leading against Lt. James “Mac” McLaughlin” by 69% to 29% in Tuesday night results. Rupert has been serving for more than a year in a temporary appointment made after his predecessor resigned while facing a recall effort.

5. Washington voters appear to support millionaires tax, restrict trans girls in school sports

If early results hold, millionaires minted by Washington businesses including Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks could soon face a new tax – marking the first time since 1932 that voters have effectively supported an income tax in the state. Voters appeared poised to reject a ballot measure that aimed to repeal that tax. But it is facing a legal challenge that’s expected to go before the state Supreme Court.

Athletes who want to play girls’ sports in Washington could soon face genital checks or tests of their testosterone levels or chromosomes. That’s after voters appeared to support a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, with an initiative that requires testing before girls can compete.

5 takeaways for Oregon and Washington after Tuesday’s election

Democrats appear to have retained their four-decade hold on the Oregon governor’s mansion.

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