In Preparation for Joining Governor’s Race, Nicholas Kristof Files to Form Political Action Committee

The New York Times journalist and Yamhill native will join a crowded Democratic field.

Kristof_Clayton_WEB Nicholas Kristof, at right, returned to Yamhill County to write a book about his childhood friend Clayton Green. (Courtesy of Penguin Random House)
By Nigel Jaquiss

New York Times columnist and Yamhill native Nicholas Kristof today made his first official move toward entering the 2022 Democratic primary for governor.

Kristof filed to form a political action committee with the Oregon secretary of state, a move necessary to begin raising and spending money.

A Rhodes Scholar and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Kristof has taken a leave from the Times to ponder a possible new career. After moving back full time to his family’s farm, he has been preparing to run for months, including securing a legal opinion that supports his contention that he meets the Oregon Constitution’s residence requirements, despite having voted in New York last year.

Kristof will join a crowded Democratic field led by Yamhill County Commissioner Casey Kulla, House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) and state Treasurer Tobias Read in the race to succeed Gov. Kate Brown, who cannot run again because of term limits. (At least six other Democrats are running.)

Today’s filing falls short of an official announcement of Kristof’s candidacy, but that is likely to come soon.

“Nick has been exploring a run for governor over the past few months,” says Carol Butler, a political consultant who is advising him. “This is an important next step in that process.”

Nigel Jaquiss

Nigel Jaquiss

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

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office.

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