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When the attempted gubernatorial candidacy of New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof ended, it raised an interesting prospect: the idea he might throw his support behind other political candidates and remain a force in Oregon politics this year, even after he was tossed off the ballot for failing to meet Oregon’s three-year residency requirement.
That hasn’t happened yet.
But Sheryl WuDunn, a former New York Times reporter and Kristof’s wife and writing partner, has weighed in on the governor’s race.
“Oregon has a proud tradition of coming together to solve big problems, but we’re seeing less and less of that today,” says WuDunn in a statement. “From homelessness to education to climate change, our challenges are bigger than ever, but our government hasn’t always met those challenges. Tobias Read will. He’s shown throughout his career that he can do big things.
“From passing full-day kindergarten to implementing the first-of-its-kind state retirement savings program, Tobias has delivered. We can count on him to challenge the status quo in Salem and get results for Oregonians from every corner of our state.”
WuDunn tells WW her endorsement isn’t a proxy for her husband, but then she also says another key family member of Kristof’s is also endorsing Read.
“This is my own decision that is based on my assessment of the candidates, their experiences and perspectives,” she says. “This is not a proxy for anyone. I might add that Jane Kristof, Nick’s mother, also endorses Tobias Read.”
Read has racked up notable endorsements from Oregon leaders, including two former governors and now the partner of an (attempted) former opponent.