Oregon Nurseries PAC Announces 2026 Election Endorsements

The group issued 30 endorsements for state and federal races in an effort to change legislative and executive leadership.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Political Parties

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric garden arbor in a field, evoking agricultural policy influence. — The Oregon Nurseries Political Action Committee announced 30 endorsements for the 2026 election, aiming to shift state legislative and executive leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe industry group endorsements improve the quality of local political representation in your area?

The Oregon Nurseries Political Action Committee (ONPAC) released its official endorsements for the 2026 general election on October 15. The group is backing Christine Drazan for governor and various legislative candidates.

Why it matters

The nursery industry is seeking to shift the direction of state governance to address agricultural cost burdens and break current legislative trends. Supporters aim to influence state outcomes as voters begin casting their ballots.

The committee issued 23 endorsements for the Oregon House of Representatives and five for the Oregon Senate. Additionally, the group endorsed U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz for his re-election bid.

The players

Christine Drazan

She is the candidate endorsed by the nursery industry for the office of Oregon Governor.

Cliff Bentz

He is a U.S. Representative currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Oregon Nurseries Political Action Committee

This organization represents the state nursery industry and manages political contributions and endorsements.

The details

The endorsement list includes a gubernatorial nod for Christine Drazan, whom ONPAC also supported during her 2022 campaign. The industry group seeks to challenge the Democratic super majorities that have persisted in the legislature.

1982: The last year a Republican governor was elected in Oregon.
2022: The year ONPAC previously endorsed Christine Drazan.
October 14, 2026: Ballots were mailed to Oregon voters.
October 15, 2026: The PAC issued its general election endorsements.
November 3, 2026: The deadline for ballots to be returned by 8 p.m.

Political Context

The nursery industrys push attempts to break a streak of Democratic control that has held since the 1982 Oregon gubernatorial election. Opponents likely argue that current state policies provide necessary stability for social programs and environmental protection.

Voters should be aware that ballots must be postmarked or deposited in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on November 3, 2026. These endorsements may help constituents identify candidates aligned with specific agricultural and economic priorities.

The takeaway

Industry organizations frequently leverage endorsements to highlight how state regulations affect their specific sectors. Voters can evaluate these recommendations against their own priorities to make informed decisions on their ballots.