PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In one final push to the polls, Democratic Gov. Kate Brown and Republican challenger Knute Buehler traveled all over the state Monday hoping to turn cheers into victory.
Brown is running for her own 4-year term after winning a special election in 2016. Buehler says it’s time for a change. The last time they went head-to-head, they were vying for the secretary of state seat in 2012.
In an unexpectedly close race, Rep. Buehler is looking for Republicans to regain control after more than 30 years. The state lawmaker took up key issues like homelessness — a crisis he said he’d solve by the end of his term if elected.
“That proposal is a joke,” Brown said. “If you want to be successful, you need to invest in affordable housing. We’ve invested over $300 million since I’ve become governor. We have either built or developed 14,000 units.”
Another key issue in the race is education, which Brown plans to increase access to career and technical training, raise the number of school days and reduce class sizes.
Buehler said it’s time for a change.
“A choice between a status quo governor who has failed to lead on solving these big problems versus me who has reputation and track record of leading with an open mind,” Buehler said.
Last-minute voters still have time to turn in ballots until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6.