Endorsements

“Tina is hands down the proven reproductive health champion Oregon needs to be our next Governor. At a moment when Roe vs. Wade hangs by a thread before the U.S. Supreme Court, Oregon needs a Governor who not only believes abortion must remain legal and accessible, but who will champion bold policies that expand access to reproductive health care for Oregonians and anyone who might be forced to travel to our state for care. States like ours have long been leaders in the fight for reproductive freedom, but in this crisis moment, it is critical that we do more. We trust Tina to fight for the future of all Oregonians.”

“Tina Kotek has a proven track record of passing legislation that betters the lives of SEIU members and working families across our state. Following a comprehensive endorsement process, an overwhelming majority of our members believe that Speaker Kotek has the experience and vision to help our state emerge from the pandemic and thrive.” 

“Speaker Kotek has been a longtime supporter of expanding resources for Oregon’s underfunded behavioral health systems and has stood up over and over for the programs and services our members are proud to provide and support,” said Fred Yungbluth, President of Oregon AFSCME.

“We are thrilled to endorse Tina Kotek, who has walked the walk when it comes to fighting for Oregon families. As Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, she championed reforms like expanding access to the ballot box by passing a nationally-recognized automatic voter registration law, passing stronger transparency laws so voters know who is funding political ads, and pushing for a comprehensive campaign finance reform package to limit the influence of Big Money, proving that she’s working for the people of Oregon, not the special interests,” said End Citizens United // Let America Vote President Tiffany Muller. “When she’s elected Governor, we know she’ll build off of those efforts to make government work better for hard-working Oregon families and to ensure their voices are heard in Salem.”

“I am thrilled to support Tina Kotek as she fights for the safety of all Oregonians. Her public service record speaks for itself—under her leadership, Oregon has made great strides in the fight against gun violence. Tina and I have worked hand in hand to pass gun safety legislation like universal background checks that will continue saving the lives of Oregonians. Tina is a fierce advocate for gun safety, and she is committed to the commonsense solutions we know will put an end to this epidemic. She has proved time and again that she will always prioritize families and communities in Oregon above all else, and we are lucky to have her in this fight with us. We are proud to endorse Tina Kotek for governor.” – Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords

“Tina Kotek is a proven leader, a dedicated public servant, and has been a trailblazer even before her historic run for Governor of Oregon,” said Joni Madison, interim president of the Human Rights Campaign. “As Speaker, she was resolute in her dedication to progress and justice and few can match her record of securing real change for all Oregonians. We are proud to endorse Tina Kotek for Governor because Oregonians deserve someone who is single-minded about bettering their lives. Kotek’s record assures us she will continue her life’s work – making a more just and equitable Oregon– when she is in the governor’s mansion.”

“The last two years have been so difficult for Oregonians, especially for Oregonians living in poverty, our rural communities and Oregonians of color. But, from day one, Tina Kotek was there. Tina didn’t just listen to our concerns during the pandemic, she got to work making sure that the legislature passed critical legislation to protect communities of color during this unprecedented crisis. Oregon’s next governor must be ready on day one to jump into action and serve our most vulnerable communities. Tina has proven that she has the experience and the passion to do just that.”

“With evictions spiking across the state, CAT Action recognizes the importance of a leader with a record of prioritizing housing issues. We are confident Tina Kotek will listen to renters and take real action to solve the current housing crisis.” 

“The NAYA Action Fund proudly endorses Tina Kotek to serve as Oregon’s next Governor. Tina has a proven track record of fighting for Oregon’s most vulnerable communities, including the American Indian/Alaska Native community. She has fought hard for investments in many areas including housing stabilization, education, criminal justice reform, and has worked to strengthen our healthcare system. As Governor, Tina will continue to fight for all communities while centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.”

“We have seen Tina’s demonstrated commitment to our Latinx communities time and time again with real investments and policies that actually improve the lives of Latinx children and families in the areas of education, jobs and health. Having been hit so hard by the pandemic, the stakes are higher than ever – we need Tina’s leadership to continue to improve educational outcomes, create good paying jobs and boost health outcomes for Latinx communities.”

“APANO is thrilled to endorse Tina Kotek for Governor. As House Speaker, Tina always worked to get to the root causes of the inequities our communities face. From housing to mental health care to standing up against bigotry and hate, Tina Kotek has always been there, fighting for our community.”

“Tina Kotek is the proven, progressive leader that we need to continue moving Oregon forward. Under Tina’s leadership as House Speaker, Oregonians saw milestone wins for racial justice in housing, education, reproductive health, economic justice and so much more. We know that Tina will continue to bring her commitment and experience delivering for BIPOC communities to the governor’s office.”

“On what will likely be known as the last anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, Pro-Choice Oregon PAC proudly voted to endorse Tina Kotek, the leader we trust to support Oregon families amid unprecedented challenges. Our PAC took this decision seriously, knowing Oregon will not be immune to the harm caused by a Supreme Court bent on overturning 50 years of legal precedent. As the fight for abortion access shifts to the states, electing strong state leaders has never been more important. Kotek has a record of expanding access for people that have been denied care due to citizenship status, gender identity or geographic location. She is committed to ensuring all Oregonians can access essential reproductive health care.”

“With all of the challenges Oregon is facing, we need a Governor who will always be on the side of working families. That’s Tina Kotek, hands down,” said Jaime Rodriguez, AFT-Oregon President. “AFT-Oregon is proud to endorse Tina because we know that as governor she will support all of our schools from Pre-K to K-12, community colleges and public universities, and we trust that she will fight to make child care, housing and health care more affordable and accessible.”

“Tina Kotek is a proven progressive leader and champion for our families. We trust her to move Oregon forward and to continue to fight for the wins we need. As the longest serving Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Tina Kotek has an unmatched record of championing the nation’s strongest and most inclusive policies to support Oregon families and advance racial, gender, and economic justice. Kotek has always delivered results that create opportunities for women and families, leading the effort to pass paid family and medical leave, equal pay for equal work, paid sick leave, and raising the minimum wage, among many other issues.”

“All of our children, from Pre-K through post-secondary education or apprenticeship, deserve an education system that provides them with the tools to succeed. Our members take this process very seriously and they only endorse candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to building a stronger education system for all. Tina Kotek is a champion for educators and students, fighting alongside us to increase access to education funding and improve outcomes for our children. That’s why we’re proud to endorse Tina Kotek for Governor.”

“We’ve been following Tina’s career for several years in the Oregon Legislature, watching her work tirelessly for ordinary Oregonians and for those in greatest need. No other candidate brings the depth of experience nor the compassion to serve that Tina would bring as Oregon’s next governor. Tina’s priorities are Oregon’s priorities: Dealing with a statewide housing crisis, addressing climate change and protecting the environment, and making sure that all Oregonians have necessary healthcare, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, affordable prescription drugs, and reproductive freedom. We love Oregon, and that’s why we’re endorsing Tina Kotek for Governor. We trust Tina to serve the best interests of today’s Oregonians as well as future generations.”

“Tina Kotek is a champion for LGBTQ+ equality and fairness for all Oregonians. She championed the state’s Equality Act and has always stood with LGBTQ+ Oregonians across the state. Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC is proud to endorse Tina for Governor.”

“We’re excited to endorse Tina Kotek, who has a proven track record of fighting for safe, strong communities! She doesn’t just talk or write about these issues. She actually delivers.”

“We’re proud to share that Stand for Children has endorsed Tina Kotek for Governor. An advocate for equity and racial justice in education and beyond, Tina has the experience and vision to lead Oregon.

As House Speaker, Tina worked as a tireless champion for our students and families. She was critical in the passing of Measure 98, which has contributed to a record 6-point increase in graduation rates since its implementation, with students of color and low-income students making the biggest gains.

Most recently, Tina sponsored House Bill 2001, which brings equity to our schools by ensuring teachers across Oregon with cultural or linguistic expertise will be kept from being disproportionately affected by layoffs.  

Our endorsement committee, made up of advocates like you – students, parents, educators, and community leaders – unanimously agreed that Tina Kotek is the leader Oregon needs.”

“When we elect pro-choice Democratic women to office, they deliver. Right now, Roe v. Wade is poised to fall, and we need a champion for reproductive freedom in the Governor’s office who will be ready to defend our rights. WINPAC knows that Tina Kotek is the champion we need because she’s been with us since day one, fighting for us.”

“Tina Kotek has led on policies that put apprentices to work and create more opportunities for women and people of color in construction,” said Carpenters Local 1503 member and carpenter Haley Alves. “We need that kind of leadership in the Governor’s office to make sure that the next generation of construction workers will benefit from new infrastructure projects in our state.”

“Tina Kotek provided the leadership to strengthen the prevailing wage law,” said Carpenters Local 271 member and carpenter Jonathan Reynolds. “This means folks who grew up on the Coast like I did will have better access to good paying union jobs.”

“After an extensive endorsement process, Ironworkers Local 29 is proud to endorse Tina Kotek for Oregon for Governor. As Speaker of the House, she has been instrumental in strengthening Oregon’s prevailing wage laws, making it clear that Project Labor Agreements are legal, and adding apprentice utilization requirements to publicly funded projects. We are confident that as Governor, she will continue to fight for members of Local 29, their families, and other hard-working Oregonians.”

“Tina Kotek has spent her career in the Legislature fighting for Oregon workers. She’s advocated for safer worker conditions and higher wages. We’re proud to endorse her to be Oregon’s next Governor.”

“Tina Kotek knows that strong unions are the backbone of a strong workforce. We’re proud to endorse her for Oregon Governor because we know that she’ll continue to advocate for high wages, safe workplaces, and make sure our workers are taken care of.”

“We’re proudly endorsing trailblazing Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek in her bid for governor of Oregon. With your help, Tina will be the first out lesbian governor of any state when she wins her 2022 election.”

“In 2022 we have the opportunity to elect the nation’s first openly lesbian governor in history. Tina fought to pass landmark anti-discrimination legislation and has been a champion for all Oregonians. We proudly endorse her for Governor.”