Primary election results: Lathrop has early lead for GOP nomination of Oregon attorney general

Michael Cross and Will Lathrop are competing in the Republican primary for the nomination for Oregon attorney general to replace Ellen Rosenblum, who announced in September that she would not seek a fourth term.

In initial election results, Lathrop was off to an early lead.

“Tonight's results are further evidence that public safety is the No. 1 concern for Oregonians across the state," Lathrop said in an emailed statement. "I represent a dawn of new leadership that is focused on public service and problem solving - not partisan politics."

In a text message, Cross said it was still "too early to tell" and said Lathrop had "spent substantially more than I did" in the campaign.

The winner of the primary will face the winner of the Democrat primary between former Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield and nonprofit executive director Shaina Pomerantz in the November general election. Rayfield was in the lead Tuesday evening. Lathrop and Cross have hopes of being the state's first Republican attorney general since the 1980s.

Michael Cross lost to Rosenblum in 2020. He served in the U.S. Air Force and describes himself as an entrepreneur.

Cross said his priorities would be the fentanyl crisis, child trafficking, and the homeless crisis.

Lathrop is a Willamette University College of Law graduate and former Marion and Yamhill county deputy district attorney. Most recently he has worked for a global human rights organization, International Justice Mission, leading a West Africa anti-human trafficking operation.

Lathrop said he would prioritize reducing the prevalence of drugs and restoring safe communities and trust in government.

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: 2 Republicans in the primary for Oregon attorney general