On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcome Mark Anderson, host of the ISpy Radio Show on KYKN and founder of PredictOregon.com, to discuss the latest online poll results in Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
According to the new Predict Oregon survey conducted March 3–8 among 1,022 Oregon voters, state Rep. Ed Diehl emerges as the clear frontrunner with 66.4% of the Republican primary vote. Anderson explains that the survey examined seven independent measures—including ballot preference, favorability, multiple hypothetical matchups, second-choice vote flow, and general election competitiveness—and all pointed in the same direction, suggesting strong early momentum in the race. The survey also reported a high 84.6% completion rate and responses from 230 unique Oregon ZIP codes, representing voters from across the state. See detailed reports here and here.
At the same time, the financial side of the race is heating up. Nike co-founder Phil Knight has donated $1 million to former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley, giving Dudley about $1.5 million available for the primary, while Christine Drazan reports roughly $1.3 million, making the fundraising competition far more competitive.
The show also reflects on the six-year anniversary of the COVID emergency declarations, discussing how Oregon prohibited large gatherings beginning in March 2020 and how emergency public health authority remained in place for more than two years. Denise and Hunter note that some regulatory powers established during that period remain available to state officials today.
Other topics include declining enrollment in Portland-area schools and universities, with Portland Public Schools reportedly planning to close multiple schools while Portland State University enrollment has dropped significantly in recent years. The hosts discuss how economic and population shifts in Portland are impacting the broader Oregon economy.
The episode also touches on a viral story involving a 95-year-old Portland resident criticizing city leadership, sparking conversation about civic respect and the relationship between elected officials and longtime residents.
A wide-ranging program covering Oregon’s governor’s race, political momentum, pandemic reflections, and the evolving challenges facing Portland and the state.
