Tina Kotek

A Groundbreaking Leader 

Gov. Tina Kotek was raised by proud first generation Americans who instilled in her the value of hard work, being informed citizens, and following your dreams. After graduation from college, Gov. Kotek took a job at Oregon Food Bank, where she was inspired by their mission to end hunger, not just feed people. As a person of faith with a belief in the inherent value of every person, she knew she had found her calling as an advocate for others. Gov. Kotek continued her advocacy for children when she joined Children First for Oregon as their policy director. 

Her experience working at nonprofits on behalf of Oregon’s most vulnerable communities led her to run for public office and serve in the Oregon state Legislature. During Gov. Kotek’s first term in the state Legislature, she rewrote the state’s poverty program for low-income families while also playing a key role in making historic progress for the LGBTQ+ community by passing statewide protections and access to benefits. In 2013, Gov. Kotek was elected by her peers to be the Speaker of the House — becoming the nation’s first openly lesbian state House Speaker. While in the Oregon state House, she worked tirelessly to expand economic security for families, combat climate change, and championed the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act. Gov. Kotek earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon and her masters at the University of Washington.

Fighting for Oreganians

As governor, Kotek puts people first, prioritizes justice and freedom, and inspires all of us to reach for a better future. She is a proven leader and dedicated public servant who has worked to build a future of opportunity and success for every Oregonian — addressing Oregon’s homelessness crisis, fighting for relief for the rural communities devastated by wildfires, expanding access to mental health services and improving our schools. On her first day as governor, she declared an immediate homelessness state of emergency, and now the state is on track to rehouse 3,300 families and keep 24,000 households from experiencing homelessness by July, 2025. Gov. Kotek ensured bipartisan support to fix Oregon’s drug laws. She continues to fight for better schools and worked to expand summer learning programs for thousands of Oregon students and directed resources to early literacy so all students can be reading and writing. A staunch supporter for our reproductive freedoms, immediately following the 2024 election, Gov. Kotek secured a three-year supply of mifepristone to ensure Oregonians have options in case of a national abortion ban. Her election to the governor’s office made Gov. Kotek one of the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.

Building Momentum in Oregon

Gov. Tina Kotek is a pro-choice champion and has a proven track record of fighting for Oregonians’ fundamental freedoms. She is equipped to fight back against Republican extremists and prepared to stand up for democracy in Oregon. Her work to protect the state during this second Trump administration is critical, and EMILYs List is proud to support her in this fight.