Grant County to Host Governor Candidates Forum

Three Republican candidates set to appear at March 22 event in Canyon City

Mar. 7, 2026 at 1:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three Republican gubernatorial candidates - Ed Diehl, David Medina, and Danielle Bethel - are scheduled to participate in a forum on March 22 in Canyon City, Oregon. The event is being organized by the Grant County Republican Central Committee and is open to the public.

Why it matters

With over a dozen Republican candidates vying to be Oregon's next governor, this forum provides voters in Grant County an opportunity to directly compare the candidates and their platforms. The event is seen as an important step in the lead-up to the May primary election.

The details

The forum will take place from 3:30-5:30 pm on March 22 at the Canyon City Community Hall. The Grant County Republican Central Committee is moderating the event and is encouraging attendees to come prepared with questions for the candidates. Former NBA player Chris Dudley, who is also running for governor, recently held his own events in John Day and Prairie City.

  • The forum is scheduled for March 22, 2026 from 3:30-5:30 pm.
  • The May 2026 primary election is the next major electoral milestone for the Oregon gubernatorial race.

The players

Ed Diehl

One of the three Republican gubernatorial candidates participating in the forum.

David Medina

One of the three Republican gubernatorial candidates participating in the forum.

Danielle Bethel

One of the three Republican gubernatorial candidates participating in the forum.

Frances Preston

Chair of the Grant County Republican Central Committee, the organizers of the forum.

Chris Dudley

Former NBA player who is also running for Oregon governor and recently held events in the area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We like to have them come to the forum. Sometimes, they'll get ahold of us and schedule a meeting, and we'll do a roundtable.”

— Frances Preston, Chair, Grant County Republican Central Committee

“Now is the opportunity. I think the Democrats are changing.”

— Frances Preston, Chair, Grant County Republican Central Committee

“They're going to make the difference.”

— Frances Preston, Chair, Grant County Republican Central Committee

What’s next

The three Republican candidates will participate in the forum on March 22 in Canyon City. The next major milestone will be the May 2026 primary election, where voters will select the Republican nominee for Oregon governor.

The takeaway

This forum provides an important opportunity for voters in Grant County to directly engage with and compare the platforms of the leading Republican candidates for Oregon governor. With the primary election just a few months away, events like this one will play a key role in shaping the race.