Christine Drazan is a Republican State Representative from Oregon’s House District 51, based in suburban Clackamas County. After briefly stepping away from state politics to run for Governor in 2022—where she lost—Drazan returned to the state legislature and quickly reclaimed her reputation as one of Oregon’s most prominent and consistent opponents of LGBTQ+ equality.
From opposing the inclusion of transgender youth in school sports, to criticizing diversity and inclusion programs in public education, Drazan has used her political platform to push the right-wing culture war agenda into Oregon’s suburbs. Now back in elected office, and currently serving as House Minority Leader, Drazan is gearing up for re-election in 2025—this time in a district that’s moving away from her brand of extremism.
She’s a known name, a vulnerable incumbent, and an exposed extremist in a shifting district. She can be beaten at the polls, and now is the time to defeat her.
Key Vulnerabilities
A Lost Gubernatorial Bid and a Recycled Platform
Drazan lost the 2022 race for governor despite widespread Republican support, significant outside spending, and favorable national conditions. Her messaging failed to capture independents and suburban moderates, who rejected her ties to anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-choice groups. Now back in the House, she is running with the same record and same liabilities—only this time, in a district she no longer dominates.
Running in a Rapidly Shifting District
House District 51 is located in Clackamas County, one of the fastest-changing political regions in the state. Once a Republican stronghold, it is now increasingly competitive, particularly in suburban precincts near Happy Valley, Oregon City, and Damascus. Since 2020, Democrats and unaffiliated voters have gained ground—and statewide progressive ballot measures (including pro-abortion and anti-walkout reforms) have passed handily in this area.
Drazan’s ties to unpopular education policies, anti-LGBTQ+ talking points, and anti-choice positions place her at odds with a growing segment of her electorate.
Weakness on Education and Healthcare
During her time as Minority Leader, Drazan voted against expanded mental health access in schools, opposed funding for inclusive curriculum resources, and criticized school district equity initiatives. Her rhetoric aligns with national book ban movements and school board takeovers, which have provoked backlash across Oregon, including in neighboring districts.
Her return to the legislature revives her vulnerability on education—an issue voters in suburban Oregon consistently rank among their top three concerns.
Never Faced a Fully Nationalized Challenge
Despite her prominence, Christine Drazan has never faced a coordinated national campaign to expose her record. Her 2022 gubernatorial race drew national attention—but her legislative campaigns have not. With 2025 on the horizon, she enters re-election in a newly competitive environment, with a deeply out-of-step record and no incumbent protections from the past two years.
Christine Drazan has made a career out of opposing LGBTQ+ rights, fighting reproductive freedom, and using children’s healthcare and education as political weapons. She’s lost statewide. She’s running in a district that’s leaving her behind. And she’s never been held fully accountable for her record.
She has:
A well-documented record of opposing LGBTQ+ inclusion and trans youth in sports;
Supported far-right attacks on schools and inclusive education;
Lost statewide while clinging to an extremist agenda;
Returned to a district that no longer matches her values—and is ready to reject her.
