In the northwest corner of the United States, Oregon has fostered a reputation as a left-wing stronghold. Since the 1980s, the Beaver State has consistently elected Democrats in most of its statewide races.But even in a comfortably blue state like Oregon, the fight to hold onto political power can be competitive.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listOn Tuesday, the state will hold its latest primary races, with each of the major parties picking its nominees for November’s midterm elections.But a packed field of roughly 25 contenders, both Democrats and Republicans, is jockeying to replace Tina Kotek as she seeks a second term as governor.Tuesday’s vote could also serve as an economic bellwether. Voters will weigh in on a referendum that could repeal a state fuel tax, as the US-Israel war on Iran heaps strain on consumers at the gas pump.Who is running? And which races have attracted the most attention? We tackle those questions and more in this brief explainer.What time do polls open?Polls will open on Tuesday at 7am Pacific US time (15:00 GMT) and close at 8pm (4:00 GMT). Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is seeking re-election in 2026 [File: John Rudoff/Reuters]Who is running for governor?Incumbent Governor Kotek is making a bid for a second four-year term. But she is fielding competition from dozens of other candidates, including nine Democrats.Going into the Democratic primary, Kotek is the frontrunner. Her challengers include a children’s book author, the leader of an Indigenous nonprofit and an inventor who hopes to address water shortages. Advertisement Even more contenders are angling for the Republi …
