Former Knicks Center Chris Dudley Runs for Oregon Governor

Dudley, a Republican, is making his second bid for the state's top job.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15am

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Chris Dudley, a former NBA player who spent six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, has announced his candidacy for governor of Oregon. Dudley, a Republican, is making his second run for the office after narrowly losing to the incumbent Democrat in 2010. He joins a crowded field of 14 Republicans and 6 Democrats vying to defeat current Governor Tina Kotek.

Why it matters

Dudley's candidacy represents another high-profile Republican challenge to a Democratic-held governorship in a key swing state. Oregon has trended blue in recent elections, but Dudley's name recognition and prior close call could make him a formidable contender.

The details

Dudley, who was born in Connecticut and went to high school in California, played in the NBA for 16 seasons, including six with the Trail Blazers from 1993-1997 and 2001-2002. He came within less than 2 percentage points of becoming Oregon's governor in 2010, falling to then-incumbent Democrat John Kitzhaber. Dudley is now joining a crowded field of 14 Republicans and 6 Democrats who have all announced they will be running to defeat current Governor Tina Kotek.

  • Dudley announced his candidacy in a video posted online on January 28, 2026.
  • The Oregon primary election is set for May 19, 2026.

The players

Chris Dudley

A former NBA player who spent six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and is making his second run for governor of Oregon as a Republican.

Tina Kotek

The current Democratic governor of Oregon who is seeking re-election.

John Kitzhaber

The former Democratic governor of Oregon who defeated Dudley in the 2010 gubernatorial election.

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What they’re saying

“I love Oregon, and even though we have some serious problems, there are solutions and I believe our best days are ahead of us. 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.”

— Chris Dudley

What’s next

The Oregon primary election is set for May 19, 2026, where Dudley will face off against other Republican candidates before potentially advancing to the general election against the Democratic nominee.

The takeaway

Dudley's second run for Oregon governor represents an effort by Republicans to challenge Democratic control of the state's top office. His prior close call and NBA star power could make him a formidable contender, though he faces a crowded field in both the primary and general election.