Republican candidate for governor of Oregon, Chris Dudley, has pulled ahead of the pack in a hypothetical general-election poll against current Democrat incumbent Tina Kotek. Dudley, who is a newcomer on the political scene, having never held public office before, brings his experience as both a professional athlete and his time as a private-sector executive to the table.
Dudley played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association, six of those with the Portland Trail Blazers. After he retired from the sport in 2003, Dudley went on to pursue a career in business. He helped co-found Filigree Wealth Advisors, a wealth management firm, going on to serve as board chairman and chief executive officer of Diabetomics, a company in the field of medical diagnostics.
The former NBA star also established a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for children suffering from diabetes, known as the Chris Dudley Foundation, while also serving as the treasurer for the NBA Players Association. The poll, which was commissioned by Dudley’s campaign and conducted by the Hoffman Research Group, surveyed a total of 603 likely general election voters between May 11-12.
According to Trending Politics News, in a head-to-head battle, Dudley pulled in 48% support, compared to Kotek’s 44% support. A second poll showed state Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby, also a member of the GOP, tied with Kotek at 45%. The poll revealed that 53% of those who responded viewed Kotek unfavorably, with 33% viewing her favorably. A total of 58% said they believe that Oregon is headed in the wrong direction.
Pollsters did not conduct a test matchup between GOP candidate state Rep. Ed Diehl of Scio and Kotek. The poll was released just a few days before the Republican primary set for May 19, 2026, which will help narrow the field for the general election under the state’s vote-by-mail system. While both Dudley and Drazan were viewed as competitive in the poll, Dudley is the only one tested who showed a lead over Kotek.
Regardless of who takes the nomination, they will have to fight tooth-and-nail, as Oregon has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 1994, according to TPN. During that election cycle, Jack Roberts won the election for labor commissioner. The last time someone from the GOP won the governorship of Oregon was back in 1982. Many conservatives feel that flipping Oregon red will take divine intervention.
One of Dudley’s top priorities should he become the next governor is lowering taxes on working-class Americans, a message that resonates with many in the state who have been burdened by inflation and a high cost of living. On his official campaign site, Dudley wrote, “Oregon has the highest personal income tax rates on the working class in the United States.”
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“Over half of Oregon households are living month-to-month and are just one car repair or medical bill away from not being able to afford the basics. As Governor, I will immediately work to lower the personal income tax on the first $100,000 earned,” he added. The former NBA player also promised to do a full audit of ODOT, eliminate DEQ, and take action to lower gas prices.
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