Incumbent Democrat John Kitzhaber defeated Republican state legislator Dennis Richardson, winning his fourth overall, and second consecutive, four-year term as governor.

[1] The race was closer than expected due to recent revelations of potential ethical violations involving his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes.

Kitzhaber thanked his supporters for a successful race, while Richardson refused to concede due to the close tally.

Physician and then-President of the Oregon State Senate John Kitzhaber was first elected governor in 1994, and was re-elected in 1998.

[5] In May 2010, he won the Democratic primary with 65% of the vote, defeating former secretary of state of Oregon Bill Bradbury.