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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Happy Valley Mayor Decides Not To Run For Oregon Governor

Campaign photo
Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer says she will not join the race for Oregon governor.

A potential Republican candidate for Oregon governor said Tuesday she won’t seek the state’s top office after all. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is the long-time mayor of Happy Valley, a Portland suburb.

Chavez-DeRemer had been actively exploring a run for governor. But in a video announcement posted on social media, she said she’s decided against it.

“Without all the parts to run a successful campaign and win, we will not risk the money or waste the momentum,” Chavez-DeRemer said.

She ran for a state House seat last year, and lost. She said she wouldn’t rule out a future run for governor.

For now, her decision leaves state representative Knute Buehler as the only Republican with an active campaign for governor. The winner of the GOP nomination will likely face Democratic incumbent Kate Brown.