Nicholas Kristof Raises More Than $1 Million in Run for Governor

The former New York Times columnist is succeeding in his fundraising efforts.

Nicholas Kristof on his Oregon Farm Nicholas Kristof and wife Sheryl WuDunn on their farm in Yamhill, Oregon, September 11, 2021. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Center for Creative Photography/University of Arizona) (David Hume Kennerly)
By Rachel Monahan

Nicholas Kristof, the former New York Times columnist, reported a significant fundraising haul less than two weeks after confirming his bid for Oregon governor.

As of Nov. 8, he’s raised more than $1 million, including $50,000 from Melinda Gates, the philanthropist whose money came from her marriage to Microsoft executive Bill Gates.

Kristof, an outsider to politics, was expected to be able to work his network of connections to raise money for the race. And the initial report shows he has come through.

He faces Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek (who has reported only $414,103 raised this year) and State Treasurer Tobias Read (who has reported $485,886 this year) in the primary.

More than $700,000 of Kristof’s fundraising came from out-of-state donors.

But the Kristof campaign says it has donors in 35 of Oregon’s 36 counties and that 2,522 Oregonians, including small donors, gave to the campaign.

“I am so grateful for this outpouring of support from all over Oregon,” Kristof said in a statement. “It’s clear: people from every corner of this state are ready for new leadership.”


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