Oregon — Oregon State Representative Ed Diehl, a leading figure behind the recent gas tax referendum, is preparing to enter the race for governor, adding another contender to the Republican primary field.
Diehl confirmed his intentions following days of public speculation, telling multiple outlets he plans to enter the race. In a statement to The Oregonian Diehl said
“There’s incredible momentum with this referendum, I don’t think it’s a one-off thing. I think it’s a movement, and I feel compelled to do this.”
An official campaign announcement is expected Wednesday evening at an event in Stayton, after Diehl earlier urged supporters on social media to “get ready for a big announcement.”
The two-term lawmaker from Scio has gained statewide attention as a chief petitioner and architect of the grassroots signature drive that forced Democrats’ transportation tax and fee increases onto the coming November ballot. The campaign gathered roughly 250,000 signatures in just 38 days, a pace political observers described as unusually fast.
Since taking office in 2023, Diehl has become one of the more visible members of the House Republican caucus, particularly on social policy issues. He will be the second legislator to enter joining former House Minority Leader, now Senator Christine Drazan.
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We cannot afford to divide up the Republican vote. Democraps rely on this.
So many Drazan voters are saying this but seriously – what do you mean? How do you “divide up the Republican vote” during a primary? How does having more than one candidate in a primary affect the general election in November?
The entire point of the primary is to find the *best candidate* to face whatever DemocRAT is coughed up in November – as long as we have one *real* conservative in the primary, the rest should be flushed out.
Yes I will vote for Ed Diehl, With a smile on my face and a skip in my walk.