Jason Atkinson would obviously do a good job as Governor. But what makes anyone think he'd be a stronger candidate than Kevin Mannix, who very nearly won in the last election? While it's true that Mannix has lost three statewide elections in the past, the margin was always close. But contrast, Atkinson is little-known.
The difference is Mannix isnt liked at all in Portland where he will need to get around 35% of the vote to have a chance, and he hasnt and he never will. The other thing is Atkinson has the looks (sad to say but it helps), his only draw back is his name but if he carries southern Oregon in the primary he probably wins the nomination. If Atkinson wins the republican nomination IMO hes almost locked to be governor.