"In 2020 and 2021, like many Oregonians, I was in a 'fight or flight' pattern, trying to decide whether to move out of the state due to Kate Brown's draconian lockdowns, or stay and try to create change. After driving through most of the western half of the United States, it became clear to me that those states still felt like Oregon had felt when I was growing up here. Freedom, hope, and common sense still existed elsewhere.

I discovered that Oregon and our governor had become a running joke across the country, a testament to failed leadership. I was saddened and embarrassed. I was also angry. 'Fight' prevailed. I did the best I could to stand up for my people as mayor, but I knew that wasn't enough. COVID lockdowns would come to an end eventually, I knew, but Oregon needs so much of a course correction that the only way I could see to help in the way I wanted to help, was to run for higher office. After two months of calls from all across Oregon asking me to run for governor, I knew what I needed to do. I didn't make this decision lightly."