Eight months from now, Oregonians will have ballots in their hands for the May primary. So who is, and who isn't running for governor?
The election for governor is coming early.
John Kitzhaber won re-election last year, but resigned only weeks after taking office amid a scandal involving his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes.
Secretary of State Kate Brown took over. But the resignation meant a new governor's election in 2016.
Both Kitzhaber's Republican opponent, former Central Point Rep. Dennis Richardson, and Gov. Kate Brown's opponent in 2012, state Rep. Knute Buehler, have said they're not running.
In terms of people who have officially thrown their hat in the ring, Bud Pierce is running for the Republican nomination. He's a Salem doctor and political newcomer who's raised more than a quarter million dollars. He's planning an official kickoff next week.
Brown has raised money too — around $80,000 — but hasn't announced her plans.
She's sent out fundraising emails mentioning education and ethics reform, saying "I'd like to continue working on these crucial issues."
A Brown spokesperson said there would be a formal announcement before the March filing deadline.
Copyright 2015 Oregon Public Broadcasting
