A lot can happen in a campaign. Just ask Chris Dudley, the former Portland Trail Blazer and current GOP gubernatorial candidate in Oregon. A few months ago, he didn’t want to share details about a phone call with Governor Tina Kotek.
Back in November, Dudley told an OPB reporter, “I don’t think that’s right when you have a private conversation to talk about that publicly.” But now, as the primary approaches, he has changed his tune. In recent social media clips, Dudley claims, “There’s a reason why Tina Kotek called me; she knows I’m the only one who can beat her in November.”
Kotek’s campaign, however, disagrees. Her spokeswoman, Marissa Sandgren, stated they had a friendly chat, but Kotek never tried to persuade Dudley not to run.
The timing of Dudley’s shift in attitude isn’t accidental. Brittany Yanick, his campaign spokesperson, insists, “The current governor is only threatened by one candidate—Chris Dudley.” She argues that Kotek feels confident against other Republicans and fears Dudley the most.
This perspective is backed by Republican strategist Rebecca Tweed, who isn’t working on the current race but has experience in the field. She believes Kotek’s outreach could indicate that Dudley poses a real threat. “Candidates don’t reach out unless they see someone as a competitor,” she mentions. Tweed also adds that Dudley’s moderate views might attract Democratic voters, marking him as unique among the GOP candidates.
Historically, Dudley has already made an impact. He was the Republican nominee for governor in 2010 and came closer than any other Republican to winning in decades. This year, he has raised over $2 million, aided significantly by donations from Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
Polling has been sparse this cycle, but recent surveys show state Senator Christine Drazan leading among GOP candidates. On the Democratic side, dissatisfaction with Kotek is growing. A recent poll by The Oregonian indicates many Democratic voters in Portland are unhappy with her performance.
With the primary approaching on May 19th, low turnout is expected, and many Republican voters are still undecided. This situation may explain why Dudley is sharing his conversation with Kotek now. His message sets him apart from other Republican candidates, showing he’s viewed as the toughest opponent by some Democrats.
The primary race also includes state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell. In Oregon, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped at designated sites by 8 p.m.
As Dudley navigates this complex race, the coming weeks will reveal how much sway his strategy actually holds. The dynamics of this election are not only about what candidates say but about how they engage and resonate with voters.
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Northwest Politics | Election 2026
