The election determined who would fill the remaining two years of the term of Democratic governor John Kitzhaber, who was re-elected in 2014 and resigned in February 2015.

Incumbent Democratic governor Kate Brown, who as Oregon Secretary of State succeeded to the governorship, ran for election to the office.

In primary elections held on May 17, Brown easily captured the Democratic nomination, and the Republicans picked Salem oncologist Bud Pierce.

with Allen Alley with Shane Bemis with Dennis Richardson Brown won 3 of 5 congressional districts.

Pierce won the other two, including one that elected a Democrat.