Sen. Betsy Johnson Surges To Fundraising Lead In Governor's Race

PORTLAND, OR — The race to succeed Oregon Governor Kate Brown has a new fundraising leader. State Sen. Betsy Johnson reported raising just over $2 million for her campaign.

Johnson, who has been a conservative Democrat in the legislature for 20 years, is running as an independent.

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Johnson's haul nearly doubles what Nick Kristof, a former Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times who lives on the same Yamhill farm where he grew up, reported earlier this month.

While independents normally have a tough road when it comes to attracting donations, Johnson's campaign not only has been bringing in money, it's been attracting some high profile donations from Oregonians.

Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle donated $125,000, Pacific Seafood gave $50,000 as did Greg Goodman, who shares the title of president at Downtown Development Group.

Harsch Investment Properties, owned by Jordan Schnitzer, gave $100,000.

Kristof still leads the Democrats with around !.25 million.