SALEM, Ore. - Front-runners have emerged in the packed race to be the Republican candidate for Oregon governor, with the standouts differing sharply on issues like climate change, gun control and the state's sanctuary status for immigrants.
The leading GOP contenders are state Rep. Knute Buehler, retired Navy pilot Greg Wooldridge, and businessman Sam Carpenter.
The winner of the May 15 Republican primary will likely face incumbent Gov. Kate Brown in November.
The contest comes at a moment of heightened interest in politics nationwide, but with few concrete indications of whether that interest will boost mainstream candidates or outsiders.
Related story: Races to Watch: Oregon 2018 primaries
Related link: Oregon Online Voters' Guide
