Oregon AFSCME 2026 Endorsements
Oregon AFSCME supports candidates who stand with unions and working people, whether they’re Democrats, Republicans or Independents. What matters is how they’ve voted in the past and what they’ll fight for next: Will they safeguard workers’ freedoms and defend the public services that keep families and communities strong? Will they stand up for worker safety, living wages and benefits?
We endorse based on who will deliver, not partisan politics.
Before getting our endorsement, candidates must meet with our members and answer tough questions. Any member in good standing can join the candidate interviews. Then our elected PAC members take a vote and send recommendations to Oregon AFSCME’s elected Executive Board, which takes the final vote.
Candidate Endorsements: Statewide
Oregon AFSCME members endorse Tina Kotek for Governor.
“Governor Kotek stood with us when we fought for reasonable raises and safer workplaces. She is a proven leader on investing in Oregon’s workforce and shares our goal of making the State a first-class employer.”
Charlie Peirson
Oregon AFSCME, Second Vice President and PAC Chair
Here are just a few more reasons why we endorse Gov. Kotek:
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In 2023 Gov. Kotek supported the largest wage increases of 13% for state workers, and a $1,500 COLA bonus. She held steadfast in 2025 for another wage increase, even in the face of federal budget cuts.
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In 2024 after an AFSCME member was murdered on the job, Gov. Kotek answered our call for significant improvements to safety. She also joined the efforts to improve behavioral health jobs by boosting pay, offering support benefits like housing and child care, and working to reduce staffing shortages through retention incentives recruitment. She is a champion of safe staffing for health care workers and of workers injured on the job after we lost a road crew member in Benton County.
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Throughout her legislative career and time as Governor, Gov. Kotek has supported legislation to empower unions and working people. In 2025, against deep opposition from employers, she signed the bill to let striking workers collect unemployment insurance.
Governor Kotek’s opponent is State Senator Christine Drazan.
Senator Christine Drazan…
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Sen. Drazan was invited to meet with our PAC Board to ask for our endorsement in January and she refused. We cannot endorse a candidate who won’t tell us where they stand on the issues that matter to our members.
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In 2025, she refused to stand with workers and voted against the majority of the bills that our members supported. She voted NO on legislation for striking workers to collect unemployment.
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She wants to cut taxes on the wealthy and corporations, does not support vote by mail and supported massive cuts to the Oregon Health Plan.
Candidate Endorsements: Regional District
Regional District 1
Rep. Bowman prides himself on supporting workers and creating economic opportunity.
He voted to expand Oregon’s behavioral health workforce and infrastructure, fought to reduce the cost of healthcare, and continues to stand up for Oregon’s values of equality, safety, and protecting our environment.
Rep. Grayber’s previous work as a firefighter has shaped her commitment to fighting for working-class communities and public service workers.
As a union member, she understands what is at stake. As Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, she has worked tirelessly to sponsor key workers’ rights legislation, including the bill that allows striking workers to receive unemployment insurance.
In 2026, Rep. Javadi was the chief sponsor of AFSCME-supported legislation requiring behavioral health employers to implement workplace safety plans for their workers (HB 4069).
During his last term in office, he stepped away from the GOP caucus protecting big business and now commits to continuing to work with AFSCME to fight for our members.
Regional District 4
Backed by 25 years of experience in population health, she is dedicated to fighting for access to healthcare for working families and rural communities in the Capitol.
Krause is committed to lowering the cost of living by passing policies that control prices, boost wages, and fund affordable housing.
Regional District 5
During her time as a Salem city counselor, Virginia advocated for an increase in the supply for housing.
She is a persistent leader who has worked with unions to advocate for worker rights and stand up to greedy billionaires.
He is committed to lowering housing and childcare costs, strengthening our schools, supporting local jobs, and expanding healthcare access.
Michael has worked in manufacturing for 20 years, where he’s seen first-hand the importance of affordable childcare, living wages, and strong workplace safety standards.
Regional District Map
Click to enlarge the map.
SD stands for Senate District.
HD stands for House District.
Candidate Endorsements: Local Government
Washington County Chair
City of Gresham