PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Former NBA player Chris Dudley has won his rookie political contest, grabbing the Republican nomination for governor of Oregon.
Dudley defeated Allen Alley with 40 percent of the vote, with 70 percent of the expected vote counted. Alley had 32 percent.
Dudley has been a consultant on executive benefits and a wealth adviser since retiring from basketball in 2003. He played 16 seasons, including six with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Both he and Alley are from the upscale Portland suburb Lake Oswego.
Former state legislator John Lim had 14 percent and conservative ballot activist Bill Sizemore had 8 percent.
Dudley will face former Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber in the fall. Democrat Ted Kulongoski is leaving office after two terms.
