NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
A former Portland Trail Blazers player is taking his best shot at becoming the next governor of Oregon.
Chris Dudley, a Republican and 16-year NBA veteran, announced his candidacy for the role 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,” he said in the video.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Chris Dudley, Republican candidate for governor of Oregon, speaks during a town hall meeting at Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co. in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, August 26, 2010. (Tom Hauck/Bloomberg)
“But to solve these challenges, the empty promises, name-calling, finger-pointing and fear-mongering that have solved nothing must stop. You deserve better.”
Dudley spent six of his 16 NBA seasons in Portland as the team’s center.
Dudley, who was born in Connecticut and attended high school in San Diego, California, played in Portland from 1993-97 before returning for the 2001-02 season. He played his final two seasons with the Trail Blazers before retiring.
Dudley came within less than two percentage points of becoming Oregon’s governor in 2010, falling to then-Democrat John Kitzhaber, 49.3% to 47.8%.
Chris Dudley, Republican candidate for governor of Oregon, speaks during a town hall meeting at Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co. in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, August 26, 2010. (Tom Hauck/Bloomberg)
He now joins a field of 14 Republicans who have all announced they will run to defeat incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek. Kotek and five other Democrats also announced they are running.
The Oregon primary is set for May 19.
Dudley began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 1987 NBA Draft. He played parts of three seasons there before moving to the New Jersey Nets.
Chris Dudley, Republican candidate for governor of Oregon, poses for a photo after a town hall meeting at Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co. in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, August 26, 2010. (Tom Hauck/Bloomberg)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Dudley spent four seasons with the Nets before joining the Trail Blazers. After his initial four-season stint, he landed with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns before returning to Portland.
