Former Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Dudley has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Oregon, launching a Republican bid for the state’s top office in the 2026 election cycle. The announcement was made on Monday, January 26, marking Dudley’s return to statewide politics after more than a decade.
This is Dudley’s second attempt to secure the governorship. In 2010, he emerged as the Republican nominee and narrowly lost to Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber in one of Oregon’s most closely contested gubernatorial elections, finishing roughly 1.5 percentage points behind.
Now 61, Dudley is widely known for his 16-year career in the National Basketball Association, where he played for several teams, including a four-season stint with the Portland Trail Blazers from 1993 to 1997. Since retiring from professional basketball, Dudley has built a career in finance as a wealth manager and financial advisor while remaining active in community and charitable efforts.
One of the defining aspects of Dudley’s personal story is his long-standing advocacy for diabetes awareness. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 16, he later established the Chris Dudley Foundation, an organization focused on supporting children and families affected by the condition. Dudley and his family have lived in the Portland metropolitan area for many years.
In his campaign announcement, Dudley framed his decision to run as a response to what he described as mounting challenges facing the state. He pointed to public safety concerns, homelessness, economic pressures, and education as central issues of his campaign. Dudley emphasized the need to create safer communities, strengthen opportunities for small businesses, and improve outcomes for working families.
He also highlighted a desire to move beyond political division, stating that effective leadership requires collaboration and practical problem-solving rather than partisan conflict.
The 2026 gubernatorial race is expected to draw significant attention, as it will be an open contest. Democratic Governor Tina Kotek is term-limited and ineligible to seek re-election, leaving the seat vacant. Dudley is the first high-profile candidate from either major party to formally declare his intention to run.
If elected, Dudley would make history as the first former NBA player to serve as a state governor. His previous campaign in 2010 was notable for its scale and fundraising, ranking among the most expensive gubernatorial races in Oregon at the time.
As the election cycle unfolds, political observers anticipate that additional candidates from both parties will soon enter the race, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest in 2026.
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