HILLSBORO, Ore. — Former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley was the center of attention at Oregon’s 11th annual Reagan Dinner on Nov. 1, where leading Republicans gathered to strategize for 2026. The event, hosted at the NW Events & Environments ballroom, drew hundreds of party members eager to see if any new names would join the governor’s race.
Among the announced candidates are Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell and State Sen. Christine Drazan, the GOP’s 2022 nominee. But speculation swirled around Dudley — the 6-foot-11 ex-NBA star who came within 25,000 votes of defeating Democrat John Kitzhaber in 2010.
Dudley, now 60, has lived in Oregon since returning from California in 2020. His remarks at the dinner were both emotional and ambiguous, stirring interest without confirming whether he’ll run. “I’m fired up,” he told the crowd, emphasizing the potential of a “powerful generational shift” toward conservative values — though he stopped short of announcing his candidacy.
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The GOP’s Hopeful Contender
Dudley’s near-win in 2010 still resonates with Oregon Republicans. With Governor Tina Kotek’s administration struggling amid criticism over education, homelessness, and drug policy, many conservatives hope Dudley will re-enter the political arena. His moderate stance — notably pro-choice, unlike Drazan — and broad appeal across party lines could make him a strong contender.
Dudley’s credentials are well-known: a Yale graduate, a 16-year NBA veteran, and a former union treasurer for the players’ association. After retiring, he built a career in wealth management in Sisters, Oregon, while staying active in civic causes. Recently, he helped lead Rip City Forever, an effort to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland amid team ownership changes.
On His Political Intentions
In a recent interview with the Oregon Journalism Project, Dudley confirmed he hasn’t ruled out a run for governor. When asked about the influence of Donald Trump’s unpopularity in Oregon, he dismissed it as a deciding factor.
“I ran before Trump ran,” Dudley said. “I’ll be an Oregonian long after Trump is out of office. I’m not running because of Trump, and I’m not going to not run because of him.”
He added, “I’m not going to bow down to any man. I’d stand up for whatever is right for Oregon — simple as that.”
Vision for Oregon: Accountability and Balance
Dudley criticized Oregon’s one-party rule, arguing that the state needs political balance to recover from economic and social decline. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said. “You need a healthy tension and balance.”
If elected governor, he said his first priority would be education reform. “We are in a state of emergency with education,” he explained. “If a team is in last place, you don’t hold fewer practices — you work harder. The same goes for our schools.”
Beyond education, he cited homelessness, addiction, and public safety as issues demanding urgent accountability. “Whether it’s homelessness or addiction, the word I hear from everyone on both sides is accountability — and that’s what’s missing.”
Reflecting on His 2010 Campaign
Looking back on his first campaign, Dudley expressed pride in connecting with voters but frustration over Oregon’s trajectory. “You could see where the state was heading in the wrong direction,” he said. “I think our message resonated, and that’s why the legislature ended up 30-30 in the House that year.”
Asked about what he’d do differently if he runs again, he replied, “Spend even more time in Multnomah County, meeting people where they are. Society teaches us who and what to hate. We need to learn who and what to love — and talk to each other again.”
Assessing Governor Kotek
Dudley was critical of Governor Tina Kotek’s performance, citing low rankings in education, addiction treatment, and economic competitiveness. “Portland ranks 80 out of 81 cities for investment potential,” he said. “We’re at the bottom as a place to do business. For addiction treatment, we’re 50th. There’s not a stat where Oregon is in the top half.”
He attributed these problems to poor leadership and lack of bipartisan cooperation. “When I talk to people about the transportation bill, I hear there was no contact with the other side until the last minute. You need dialogue. Maybe the administration is too beholden to the people who put them in office.”
On Unions, the Economy, and Taxes
Dudley, a former NBA players’ union treasurer, clarified that he is not anti-union but believes their influence in state politics is excessive. “When the union basically elects who they’re going to be negotiating with, that’s a problem,” he said.
Economically, he warned Oregon is nearing a “doom loop,” where high taxes and business flight reinforce decline. “Business is not a four-letter word,” he said. “When your product isn’t selling, you don’t raise the price — but Oregon now has some of the highest tax rates in the country.”
Homelessness and Mental Health
On public safety and mental health, Dudley shared a personal observation: “I was walking downtown one morning, and there was a man yelling and hitting bushes — clearly not well. That’s not right. He needs help. Housing alone isn’t the solution. If someone is addicted or mentally ill, putting them in an apartment won’t fix things.”
He argued that the state’s spending lacks results. “We’re spending all this money — what are we getting for it? That’s where accountability comes in.”
Love for Oregon
Despite his criticisms, Dudley emphasized his deep connection to Oregon. “I love this state — the people, the mountains, the beaches,” he said. “My nieces and nephews are seventh-generation Oregonians. We’ve got roots here, and I believe Oregon can get better.”
Sports, Gambling, and the Blazers’ Future
As a longtime advocate for keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland, Dudley remains cautious even after new ownership under Tom Dundon. “Portland has to realize it’s in competition with other cities. We’ve got to make sure there’s a deal that makes sense for the Blazers, the city, and the state.”
He also voiced concern over the NBA’s growing ties to gambling. “I absolutely hate prop bets,” he said. “It’s different now. It’s not about fun competition anymore — it can take people down a dangerous path.”
Dudley expressed sadness over the recent indictment of coach Chauncey Billups, calling it “a gut punch.” “Chauncey is such a positive person. I was devastated to see the news,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Whether Dudley enters the 2026 governor’s race remains uncertain, but his message — centered on unity, accountability, and balanced leadership — resonated with Republicans seeking a path forward.
As Dudley summed up:
“Mother Teresa could run for governor as a Republican, and they’d still put a MAGA hat on her. If we spend the next election talking only about Donald Trump, that’s a disservice to Oregon. Let’s focus on the issues that matter — education, safety, and the economy.”
