Chris Dudley, a Republican and former NBA center with a 16-year professional basketball career, announced his candidacy for Oregon governor in a video posted online.
“I love Oregon, and even though we have some serious problems, there are solutions and I believe our best days are ahead of us,” Dudley said in the video.
“However, in order to solve these challenges, the empty promises, the name calling, finger pointing and fear mongering that has solved nothing must stop. You deserve better,” he added.
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Dudley spent six of his 16 NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, playing center for the team from 1993 to 1997 before returning for the 2001-02 season. He finished his professional career in Portland, playing his final two seasons with the franchise before retiring.
Born in Connecticut and raised in San Diego, California, Dudley became a familiar figure in Oregon through his years with the Trail Blazers and his subsequent involvement in state politics. He previously ran for governor in 2010, narrowly losing to then-incumbent Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber by less than two percentage points, 49.3% to 47.8%.
Dudley’s entry expands an already crowded Republican field. He is one of 14 Republicans who have announced their intention to challenge Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek. Kotek and five other Democrats have also declared their candidacies.
The Oregon primary election is scheduled for May 19.
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