Salem, Ore. – Oregon’s 2026 gubernatorial contest is beginning to take clearer form as another Republican candidate formally enters the race for Oregon Governor.
The latest to officially announce their candidacy is Republican David Medina, a lifelong Oregonian and grassroots conservative media personality based outside Portland. According to his campaign, Medina has built a national platform through faith-centered content viewed by millions and through collaborations with conservative commentators and organizations. His campaign materials describe him as focused on “restoring Oregon” and mobilizing everyday citizens through media and grassroots outreach. Medina attended George Fox University and now manages a digital media organization; he grew up in the Salem area and has one daughter.
A video featured on Medina’s campaign website takes a sharply critical tone toward Democrats, particularly the party’s progressive wing.
“The radical left wing of the Democrat Party is destroying every fabric of our society,” Medina starts off saying. “It’s destroying the family, it’s destroying us economically, it’s destroying our kids with education, it’s destroying our streets — just go to downtown Portland and look at the homelessness. How can anybody be okay with this?”
Medina was one of many across the country who faced felony charges by the Biden DOJ related to his presence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In February 2024, he was arrested in Portland on a federal complaint alleging he entered the Capitol during the breach of that day and engaged in conduct that included obstructing an official proceeding, along with a series of related misdemeanor allegations. Court filings detailed claims that he was present inside the Capitol building. In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued a pardon covering Medina’s case and those of many others charged for their actions at the Capitol.
Medina has also spoken publicly about the role of his Christian faith in his personal life and civic outlook. According to his campaign materials, he views his faith as a guiding influence on issues such as service, personal responsibility, and community engagement.
A featured August 2022 post on his campaign Facebook page says, “A great reminder: God is ultimately in control no matter what any politician does. Be at peace. Don’t get caught up in the garbage of the world.”
Medina has also been involved in conservative advocacy through social media and political organizing. Prior reporting noted his operation of social accounts and groups aligned with pro-Trump activism and grassroots efforts during the 2020 election cycle, including travel and fundraising messaging tied to political events.
Also in the Republican field is Danielle Bethel, a Marion County commissioner who has publicly announced her intention to run for governor with a focus on education policy, government accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Christine Drazan, the party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee and current state senator, announced she was again running back in October.
Adding to the conversation are ongoing rumors about Chris Dudley, the ex-Portland Trail Blazers center and 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate. While Dudley has not declared a campaign, a recent interview conducted by our partners at the Oregon Journalism Project has fueled speculation among political observers about whether he might re-enter politics.
Political analysts note that early movement and public discussion are typical this far ahead of Oregon’s primary filing deadlines, which are still months away. Fundraising, endorsements, and broader political dynamics could influence how the Republican field ultimately develops.
With more than a year remaining before Oregon’s primary elections, additional candidates are expected to announce in the coming months. Campaign activity, fundraising disclosures, and formal filings will further clarify the field as the election cycle progresses.
The 2026 gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3rd, 2026, with party primaries set for May 2026.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
