Nike co-founder Phil Knight has broken Oregon’s political donation records with a £2. 28 million supporting two candidates opposing Kotek-£2. 85 million ($3. 75 million) for independent Betsy Johnson and £1. 14 million ($1. 5 million) for Republican Christine Drazan-but Kotek was re-elected. Four years earlier, £1. 9 million ($2. 5 million) in support for Republican Knute Buehler failed to beat Democrat Kate Brown. Knight has had more success in legislative races; with £1. 52 million ($2 million) spent in 2022, Republicans eliminated Democratic supermajorities in both chambers, though Democrats regained them in 2024, according to OPB. 2026: The Next Electoral Battle Republican strategist Christine Drazan has announced her intention to challenge Kotek in 2026, setting the stage for a potential rematch. Knight’s record-breaking donation, made weeks before nationwide elections favoured Democrats, suggests he remains committed to influencing Oregon politics. With Bring Balance to Salem PAC holding £2. 98 million ($3. 93 million) in cash reserves, according to Willamette Week, Republicans are preparing for aggressive campaigns aimed at eroding Democratic majorities. While mid-term elections usually favour the opposition, Oregon’s deeply Democratic political culture may prove resilient. In 2024, Democrats gained one seat in each chamber, giving them a three-fifths supermajority capable of passing tax increases without Republican support. Knight’s escalating donations indicate an intensifying political arms race in Oregon, where grassroots frustration with Democratic policies clashes with the state’s progressive voting trends.
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/phil-knights-3m-power-play-fuels-republicans-democrats-net-approval-plummets-8-1758108