Chris Dudley focuses on Oregon’s future at campaign stop in Sisters

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley held a campaign stop in Sisters on Monday to present his platform to local voters. The event focused on three primary pillars of his campaign: education, the economy and livability.

The campaign stop attracted community members of all ages who gathered to hear the candidate's message ahead of the primary election, which is scheduled for two months from now. Dudley is seeking the Republican nomination after previously running for governor in 2010, a race he lost by 20,000 votes.

Dudley focused his address on his vision for the future of Oregon. He expressed a personal commitment to improving the state during his speech in Sisters.

"I'm passionate about our state," Dudley said to KTVZ News. "Passionate that we could do better as our state deserves better."

Several residents who attended the event expressed interest in the candidate's platform. Ethan, a resident of Sisters, said he came to the event because he believes the campaign offers a new direction for the party.

"I’m here because I think Mr. Dudley provides a more youthful and rejuvenated message for Republicans in Oregon," Ethan said.

Other community members highlighted the candidate's professional experience outside of elective office. Steve Hewlett, a resident of Sisters, said the state would benefit from a leader with a corporate background.

"Chris Dudley I think is the answer for Oregon," Hewlett said. "He's not a politician, and that's what we need. Somebody with a business sense."

The theme of political transition was a recurring sentiment among those in the audience. Rick Lieberson, a resident of Sisters, said he believes the candidate is the right person to facilitate a shift in leadership.

"I think we need a change," Lieberson said. "And I think he could facilitate that change."

Dudley told supporters that he believes the outcome of this campaign will be different, noting that he is encouraged by the turn out in his home community. When asked about campaigning in Sisters, Dudley said it was "incredible" to see many friends turn out for the event.

The primary election is on May 19th. The Dudley campaign stated that it feels it has momentum heading into the upcoming vote.