Gov. Kate Brown Posts Big Fundraising Haul, Has Now Raised More Than $10 Million

New contributions include big checks from Democratic Governors Association, Michael Bloomberg—and Nike.

By Nigel Jaquiss
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown at the Pendleton Round-Up (office of the governor)

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Gov. Kate Brown disclosed more than $1.5 million in new contributions over the past few days, bringing her fundraising total to just over $10 million since Jan. 1, 2017.

Brown, the Democratic incumbent running for re-election against the GOP nominee, state Rep. Knute Buehler (R-Bend), reported checks of $250,000 from the Democratic Governors' Association and from Everytown for Gun Safety, a group funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Brown also disclosed two $25,000 checks from Nike, bringing the Beaverton sportswear company's total giving to her his year to $85,000—generous but far less than the $1.5 million Nike co-founder and chairman emeritus Phil Knight has given Buehler.

Brown is on pace to break the all-time fundraising record for an Oregon governor's race set by Republican Chris Dudley in 2010. Dudley raised just under $10.5 million in his battle with Democrat John Kitzhaber, who raised $7.5 million. Kitzhaber won that race by 22,000 votes.

After a spate of big ad buys, Brown has $3.8 million on hand. Buehler has $1.5 million.

Explore more on:

Chris DudleyEverytown for Gun SafetyJohn KitzhaberKate BrownKnute BuehlerMichael BloombergNike

Nigel Jaquiss

Nigel Jaquiss

Reporter Nigel Jaquiss joined the Oregon Journalism project in 2025 after 27 years at Willamette Week.

Willamette Week reports the stories worth knowing, from City Hall to the people and places shaping Portland.

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