Secretary of State Dennis Richardson confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 23, that he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2018.
Despite having raised no campaign funds, Richardson drew political speculation that he might seek the state’s highest office, building on momentum from 2016 when he became the first Republican to win statewide office since 2002.
“I am serious about being the best secretary of state I can be and keeping my promise to voters to provide transparency and accountability and restore trust in government, and that is where my focus is,” Richardson said in a phone interview with Pamplin Media/EO Media Group Capital Bureau Wednesday.
By laying the rumors to rest, Richardson opens the way for other Republican candidates to gain support. Buehler, a moderate Republican, declared his bid for governor Aug. 2. Republican Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has said she also may challenge incumbent Democrat Gov. Kate Brown.
Read more at The Portland Tribune.
