Former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley is gearing up for another shot at Oregon’s governorship. The Yale-educated ex-NBA player, who narrowly missed the position in 2010, has thrown his hat back into the ring as a Republican, aiming to challenge the political status quo in what is considered a staunchly Democratic state.

In a state where Democratic Governor Tina Kotek has seen persistently low approval ratings, Dudley’s campaign could stir significant interest. His announcement on Monday highlighted his commitment to reducing divisiveness, with a focus on enhancing public safety, making living more affordable, and improving educational systems. “The empty promises, the name calling, the finger pointing and fear mongering that has solved nothing must stop,” Dudley stated during his campaign launch, promising real solutions and actionable plans.

Despite the challenges faced by Republicans in Oregon, where no GOP candidate has clinched the governorship since 1982, Dudley remains a notable figure in state politics. His close race against Gov. John Kitzhaber in 2010, where he was defeated by a mere 2 percentage points, still resonates as one of the most successful bids by a Republican in recent Oregon history.

Dudley’s post-basketball career includes a stint in finance and philanthropic efforts, particularly through a foundation he established to support children with Type 1 diabetes, a condition he also battles.

The Republican primary looks to be a crowded one. Dudley faces competition from state Senator Christine Drazan, who was a close contender in the previous election, and several other candidates including a state lawmaker, a county commissioner, and a conservative influencer pardoned by former President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Despite the uphill battle anticipated for any Republican contender in Oregon, there’s a growing political engagement from the state’s GOP, underscored by a recent $3 million donation to a Republican PAC by Nike co-founder Phil Knight. While it remains to be seen if Dudley will receive the same level of financial backing from Knight as he did in 2010, his entry into the race is already sparking conversations about the potential for a more competitive gubernatorial contest in Oregon.

As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how Dudley’s second attempt to navigate Oregon's political landscape will unfold, especially in a time when the state’s Democratic leadership faces considerable scrutiny.