(Salem, OR)  --  Dennis Richardson will become the first Republican to serve in a statewide office in Oregon since the early 2000s.  He defeated Democrat Brad Avakian [[ ah-VAH-kee-un ]] in the race for secretary of state, 48 percent to 43 percent.  Avakian conceded the race to Richardson late last night.  Richardson ran for governor in 2014, losing to John Kitzhaber.