Ed Diehl Launches Campaign for Oregon Governor, Promises Change

Rep. Ed Diehl, a Republican from Scio, has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Oregon. The announcement came on the afternoon of February 28, 2023, ahead of a campaign launch event at Snow Peak Brewing in Stayton. Diehl, who is currently in his second term representing Oregon’s 17th House District, aims to bring “accountability, affordability, and competence” back to state governance.

In a statement, Diehl expressed his vision for Oregon, stating, “Oregon should be a place where working families can get ahead, where budgets are disciplined, and where results matter.” His campaign taps into ongoing concerns about the cost of living and governmental efficiency, issues that resonate with many voters across the state.

Diehl gained prominence earlier this year as a key figure in the No Tax Oregon campaign. This initiative successfully blocked proposed increases to the state’s gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and payroll taxes associated with a transportation law set to take effect in 2025. The campaign garnered significant support and managed to collect over 200,000 signatures, exceeding the 78,000 required to place the tax measures on the ballot for a referendum vote in November 2026.

Diehl’s background is noteworthy; he was born in Plains, Montana, into a family of sawmillers and loggers. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University before relocating to Oregon in 1989. Diehl eventually settled in Scio, where he co-founded Albany-based automation consulting firm Concept Systems Inc.. Beyond his political endeavors, he is actively involved in the Catholic Church and serves on the board of directors for Santiam Hospital.

His campaign priorities reflect a broad range of issues, including education reform, addressing street homelessness, advocating for gun rights, limiting access to abortions, and supporting small businesses. With Oregon having not elected a Republican governor since the 1980s, Diehl enters a competitive field. According to the Oregon Secretary of State, twelve candidates have filed to run as Republicans, including frontrunner Christine Drazan, a state senator from Canby who lost to current Governor Tina Kotek in the 2022 general election by over 66,000 votes.

Diehl will also face challenges from other candidates, such as Danielle Bethell, a Marion County Commissioner currently under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for alleged conflicts of interest related to her position.

In his campaign launch, Diehl emphasized the need for a governor who understands how to manage budgets and deliver results. “Oregon needs a governor who understands how systems work, how to manage budgets, how to build effective teams and how to deliver results,” he stated. “We need a governor who will improve affordability, reduce the cost of living, and increase opportunity for all Oregonians. I know how to do that — and I know Oregon can do better.”

As Diehl embarks on this significant political journey, his ability to resonate with voters and address pressing state issues will be closely watched in the lead-up to the election.