There may be 26 letters in the alphabet, but when it comes to the Republican primary for governor, the Ds have it.

Christine Drazan, the Republican nominee in 2022, has been considered the front-runner for a cage-match rematch with incumbent Governor Tina Kotek, but a couple of other D’s may soon be added to the card — specifically, Diehl and Dudley.

Rep. Ed Diehl, who has gained an enhanced public presence since he helped spearhead the referendum to repeal the legislature’s gas tax bill, is about to announce a challenge to Drazan in the Republican primary, according to sources at The Political Center.

Chris Dudley, the former Trail Blazer and the party’s nominee in 2010, is still on the edge of jumping in, and our sources say he will likely announce his plans in the next few days.

That would add a little excitement to the Republican primary, with Drazan, Dudley, Diehl, and (Danielle) Bethell all fighting for pole position in a four-way race.

Diehl, Dudley, and Bethell are set to appear together at the Western Liberty Conference next week on Jantzen Beach. Drazan appears to have made a strategic decision not to appear, much as she did during the Republican Dorchester Conference in 2022.

While Diehl’s name recognition doesn’t rival that of Drazan, the organizational skills he demonstrated — defying all odds to collect 200,000 referendum signatures using almost entirely volunteers — suggest he could build a formidable organization very quickly.

Dudley may not have that in his toolbox, but indications from those he has met with suggest that he would have access to plenty of campaign cash if he decides to take the leap. Dudley narrowly lost to John Kitzhaber in 2010 and came closer than any Republican to winning the governor’s race in nearly 40 years.

Danielle Bethell, currently a Marion County commissioner, learned from Diehl of his upcoming candidacy and admitted she was a bit surprised.

“Ed and I are friends. He never mentioned before that he was contemplating doing this. But then again, Christine told me a long time ago she wasn’t planning to run. It goes to show that in politics, you never know,” she said.

Drazan captured the Republican nomination in 2022 with only 22% of the vote in a crowded primary race. But none of her opponents were as formidable as the slate she may face in May.

The next few weeks will find the candidates calculating how the newly crowded field impacts their ability to secure a winning plurality in the primary. Core values won’t separate them. Convincing Republican voters that they are the best candidate who can win in November will provide the winning edge.