SALEM, Ore. — State Rep. Knute Buehler says he won’t run for Oregon governor.
The Bend Republican announced his decision in an email on Tuesday, six weeks after he told supporters he would consider challenging Democratic Gov. Kate Brown.
Buehler, an orthopedic surgeon, says he’ll run for re-election to the House. He says he’s not ready to leave his medical practice, patients and other ventures.
Buehler is serving his first term in the Oregon House. He ran for secretary of state in 2012 but lost to Brown, who was elevated to governor earlier this year when John Kitzhaber stepped down.
Brown is widely expected to run next year to complete Kitzhaber’s term but she has not confirmed her plans.
Salem doctor Bud Pierce has also announced plans to seek the Republican nomination for governor.
