Primary election results: Tobias Read holds lead in Democratic race for secretary of state

State Treasurer Tobias Read had a significant lead for the Democratic nomination for Oregon secretary of state, according to initial ballot returns Tuesday night, with state Sen. James Manning Jr. also receiving the second-most votes.

Read said he was honored by the support and promised to continue "working hard for Oregon's future."

"In a time when we are constantly reminded of our divisions, as I've crisscrossed the state, I've been struck at how much more we have in common," Read said in a text message. "We care about our communities, our families, and building a better future for our kids. And when it comes to the work of the Secretary of State, we care about protecting our democracy, our natural heritage, and ensuring that our state government is making a difference for the people who rely on the critical services our tax dollars provide."

At the election night party hosted by the Democratic Party of Lane County, Manning thanked his "amazing staff" for their hard work across the state and congratulated Read.

"I'm very happy about the results and I want to thank all of my donors. I want to thank all of the volunteers that worked tirelessly. I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to have a voice," Manning said. "The thing about it is this is not over. This is just the beginning. As I have said time and time again, I'm not a politician. I'm a public servant ... And I'm honored to be continuing on in the Senate so, you'll still see a lot more of me."

Manning said the first thing lawmakers need to do was get "money out of politics."

Five Democrats are running to be Oregon's next secretary of state, who will be charged with restoring public trust in an office that has seen high turnover in recent years.

In 2015, Democratic Jeanne Atkins was appointed to the role after Kate Brown's ascension to Oregon governor. Dennis Richardson, the first Republican in the role since the '80s, died during his term. Bev Clarno served the remainder of his term.

Then in 2023, Shemia Fagan resigned after it was revealed she had accepted a $10,000-a-month consulting contract with cannabis company La Mota at the same time her office was auditing the marijuana industry. LaVonne Griffin-Valade has been the secretary of state since June 2023.

The secretary of state is responsible for overseeing Oregon's elections, guiding state audits, and managing various records. They also serve on the three-member State Land Board with the governor and treasurer and as chair of the Oregon Board of Sustainability and Environment.

The winner of the Democrat primary will advance to the November general election against the winner of the Republican primary.

James Crary is a retired attorney and director of the Pinehurst School Board.

Crary said as secretary of state he hoped to implement an "electronic candidate forum" to the SOS website for voters to ask questions of anyone running for office in the state.

Manning served 24 years in active duty for the U.S. Army and in the office of the Assistant Inspector General, said elections, audits and climate action would be top of mind if elected.

Manning said he would expand voter registration by adding eligible college and university students to automatic registration.

Read, state treasurer since 2017 and former state lawmaker for 10 years, said his priorities as secretary of state would be restoring public trust in the office and assuring Oregonians that elections are transparent, safe, and legitimate.

Read also said he wanted to improve ballot access and restructure the website used to track campaign finance data and election filings.

Dave Stauffer, a retired attorney and former securities analyst for the state, often referred questions about his campaign to using the office of secretary of state to request aid in implementing the use of his five inventions.

Stauffer said this would "greatly decrease the carbon dioxide pollution in the air and decrease the heat and drought that has plagued our climate.”

Paul Damian Wells, a retired electrical engineer who describes himself as a "voting rights activist," declined to respond to questions from the Statesman Journal questions.

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: Tobias Read holds lead in Democratic race for Oregon secretary of state