Nike co-founder Phil Knight is pouring his support behind Republican Christine Drazan in Oregon's gubernatorial race, a move that contrasts sharply with the company's progressive image. Knight, 84, has made it clear his primary goal is to prevent Democrat Tina Kotek from winning, according to a rare interview with the New York Times.
Knight's backing of Drazan, an anti-abortion, tough-on-crime former lobbyist, has raised eyebrows given Nike's public stance on social issues. The company has championed causes such as racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and donated $75,000 to Kotek's campaign. However, critics argue Nike's progressive branding masks poor labour practices, including allegations of forced labour in its supply chain.
Drazan, who led a Republican walkout over a cap-and-trade bill, opposes transgender athletes in competition and supports election integrity measures. Kotek, a lifelong Democrat and former state House speaker, has pushed progressive policies including minimum wage increases and climate action. Despite her credentials, Kotek has struggled to pull ahead in the polls.
Knight, worth an estimated $38bn, has given over a billion dollars to universities and previously clashed with Democratic governors over tax and regulation policies. His $3.4m donation to a 2018 Republican challenger failed to sway the election, but this year's race is tighter, with Republicans hoping to win the governorship for the first time since the 1980s.
