In an interview Oct. 6, Kotek acknowledged she has not effectively explained her administration’s work. “I’ve probably done a subpar job talking about what we have been doing,” she said, adding that she plans to spend more time meeting people around the state if re-elected.

A recent poll of 915 likely Oregon voters found that about 60% had a negative impression of Kotek, while 47% said they were likely to vote for her in the Nov. 3 election. Kotek is running against Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan.

The governor pointed to modest improvements in education and a recent rise in housing starts as evidence her policies are taking hold. Oregon is on track to produce fewer housing units this year than when Kotek took office in 2023, according to the figures cited in the interview, though Kotek said housing starts have increased 11% since early last year. She also cited higher graduation rates and literacy programs, while acknowledging that the state’s education challenges are far from solved.

Homelessness remains a major point of frustration. Kotek said state-funded efforts have helped communities add shelter beds, prevent some people from losing housing and move others into permanent homes. Those gains in some areas come as homelessness has grown statewide, according to the figures discussed in the interview.

Kotek said a second term would focus on continuing work on housing, homelessness, mental health and addiction services, and education. She also set a goal of making high-quality preschool available statewide by the end of a second term. She did not identify a funding plan, saying officials could consider changes to existing revenue sources or decide to spend less on other priorities.

The governor also voiced support for pausing new data-center construction until the state establishes standards. The rapid growth of facilities tied to artificial intelligence has outpaced expectations, she said, and companies should have to meet requirements before breaking ground. Kotek said she plans to introduce a bill during the next legislative session but did not specify how long a moratorium would last.

Her campaign is also making the case that voters should consider the national stakes of the election. Kotek has criticized President Donald Trump’s policies, including federal actions affecting immigration enforcement and access to food and health benefits. Some voters interviewed for the poll said they planned to support Kotek despite concerns about her performance, in part because they oppose Trump’s agenda.

Kotek said the pace of change in state government has been slower than she would like. She argued that her administration has created a foundation for continued progress, but recognized that voters need to see and feel results. “We need to work harder to continue to make that progress for folks,” she said.