Former State Executive Endorses Christine Drazan on Homelessness and Housing Costs

Former State Executive George Carrillo has thrown his support behind Christine Drazan in her bid for governor, citing critical issues such as homelessness, housing costs, schools, and jobs as key reasons for his endorsement. Carrillo, who managed a $300 million-plus state social services portfolio, believes Oregon is spending record sums but achieving some of the worst outcomes in the country.

Homelessness and housing remain pressing issues in Oregon. The state counted 27,119 people experiencing homelessness in January 2025, an increase from 2023 despite the addition of more than 3,000 year-round shelter beds. Oregon ranks eighth in the country for the largest homeless population, yet it is the 27th most populous state. The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHC) reported that affordable housing projects averaged $318 per square foot last year, 31% above the agency's own national benchmark. The agency has exceeded this benchmark for three consecutive years. One 72-unit project was budgeted at $413 per square foot, while a 168-unit project elsewhere in the state was budgeted at about $173. Oregon ranks 47th out of 51 for homeownership affordability, with a median home value near $477,600 against a median household income near $83,000.

Schools, jobs, and public safety are also areas of concern. On the 2024 national assessment, Oregon fourth graders ranked second worst in the country in math and tied for third worst in reading, with an average math score of 229 compared to a national average of 237. Oregon's unemployment rate held at 5.2% through the first half of 2026, compared with roughly 4.2% to 4.3% nationally, and the state lost 8,500 payroll jobs between June 2025 and June 2026. Oregon also ranks fourth in the nation for property crime, about 36% above the national average.

Health care and oversight are further areas of focus. The Oregon State Hospital faced a federal finding of a serious threat to patient safety after a patient death in 2025 and nearly lost federal funding. Federal regulators later found the hospital back in compliance, but problems remain. A Marion County grand jury found the hospital lacks the bed capacity to complete treatment for some patients, and a union has said the hospital has long failed to meet required staffing levels. State auditors have flagged control weaknesses in programs meant to help people in crisis.

Carrillo, a disabled Marine Corps veteran, lives in Sherwood. He is endorsing in his personal capacity and as the cofounder of the Hispanic Construction Council.