Bud Pierce

Pierce was born in Germany and raised in California. His father worked as a public school custodian and his mother was a homemaker. He graduated from Moreno Valley High School in 1974 and attended college at the University of California, Riverside, graduating in 1979, and medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving a Ph.D. in 1985 and M.D. in 1987.[3][4] He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1979 to 1985, and moved to Salem, Oregon in 1994, where he currently works as an oncologist and hematologist. Pierce is also a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Northwest.[3]

In March 2015, Pierce announced he would explore a campaign for governor.[5] He won the Republican primary for governor on May 17, 2016, and received about 48% of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, businessman Allen Alley, by nearly 20 points.[6] Pierce faced incumbent Governor Kate Brown in the general election in November.[7]

In May 2016, Pierce endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.[8] However, in September he released a statement stating he "was hopeful that Donald Trump would rise to the occasion and unify the party and nation during the general election. As each day goes by, more of the opposite has taken place. At this point in time I need to see more from Donald Trump in the way of specific policy proposals and a more inclusive tone in order to vote for him."[9][10] Following the release of video footage showing Donald Trump making lewd comments about women, Pierce condemned the comments, stating, "Mr. Trump's comments are degrading, unbecoming, and unacceptable, period."[11][12][13]

In September 2016, during a debate with Kate Brown, Pierce generated controversy and boos from the audience for saying educated women are less susceptible to domestic abuse.[14][15] He later apologized for his remarks.[16][17][18]

On November 8, 2016, Pierce lost to Brown, receiving 43% of the vote.

Pierce opposed Oregon Ballot Measure 97.[19][20]

Pierce has called for a more moderate Oregon Republican Party.[21]

Pierce married Selma Moon Pierce on June 6, 1981. The couple has two children: Kristina (born 1986) and Michael (born 1988). They attend Salem First Christian Church in Salem, Oregon.[2][3]