Primary election results: Steiner in early lead for Democrat nomination for treasurer

State Sen. Elizabeth Steiner had a significant lead against former Lake Oswego City Councilor Jeff Gudman in the initial primary election results for the Democrat nomination for Oregon treasurer.

The winner will advance to the November general election against Republican Brian Boquist, a state senator from Dallas who is barred from running for reelection in the Legislature because he had 10 or more unexcused floor absences during 10 senators' walkouts during the 2023 session.

Tobias Read, who has been treasurer since 2017, is barred from running again due to term limits. He is running for secretary of state and was in the lead for that nomination on Tuesday evening.

Steiner said she was "immensely grateful for the outpouring of support" her campaign received around the state and thanked her friends, family, staff, and volunteers. She said she was "honored" to be the nominee in the general election.

"Tonight's result is a statement on the strength of the movement we have built together over the past nine months," she said. "I launched this campaign because I know there's more we can do to help Oregonians save for their financial goals, boost the financial health of our state, and invest in our shared priorities: healthcare, education, housing, jobs, and a secure retirement."

Gudman previously ran against Read in the 2020 and 2016 elections as a Republican. He was a city councilor in Lake Oswego from 2011 to 2018 and chaired the city's budget committee.

He said he was committed to diversifying voices and experiences at the treasurer's office by formalizing a transparent advisor process.

Gudman also said his platform included defending pension commitments, taking “meaningful steps” on climate change through corporate governance, and establishing a bipartisan plan around the redirection of kicker revenues.

"Senator Steiner will do a good job as our next state Treasurer," Gudman wrote in an email Tuesday evening. "I am pleased to support her in November."

Steiner has been a lawmaker since 2011 and co-chair of the legislature's Ways and Means committee since 2018.

She said she would continue Read's net zero plan, follow through on the COAL Act introduced during the 2024 legislative session, and expand and grow existing programs including the implementation of a baby bond program.

Steiner also said she would bring together savings programs offered by the State Treasurer’s Office into one platform such as a website or app to increase their use and accessibility.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Steiner leading Gudman for Democrat nomination for Oregon treasurer