In the News

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Governor Tina Kotek sits down with Ken Boddie to talk Oregon wildfires, data centers, economy and more.

In 2022, Tina Kotek became the first openly lesbian governor (along with Maura Healey of Massachusetts) elected in the United States among a record number of women elected as state executives. Those leaders took the helm at a historic but challenging time in American politics—states were still navigating the collateral damage brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was at a record high, and federal abortion protections were recently dismantled by the United States Supreme Court.

As we interviewed candidate after candidate for our elections coverage and endorsements issue, R.E.M. played in our heads (or at least in heads of us over a certain age or into ’90s bands): 

“It’s the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine.”

Despite those dire feelings, Lane County and Oregon is awash with people who care about democracy and want to see the world — and this community —  become a better place.

Our editorial board interviews people, watches debates, reads stances and evaluates, sees where the campaign money is coming from, discusses and thinks again. 

In the May primary, Eugene Weekly endorses in nonpartisan races (such as city councils and the Lane County Commission, where someone might be a Democrat or a Republican, but the seat is not elected via a political party) and the Democratic primary. 

Oregon has closed primaries in partisan races, so only Dems can vote for Dems in those races in May and the GOP can only vote for the GOP. Even though we know Republicans are among our avid readers, we’re pretty sure those folks don’t turn to us for our election endorsements — but hey, if we are wrong, let us know, the world gets weirder all the time! 

Read on and let’s save democracy one vote at a time, while we still can.  — Camilla Mortensen

We’re proud to share that OLCV has officially endorsed Governor Tina Kotek for re-election. 

At a moment when Donald Trump and his allies are working to roll back decades of environmental progress, Oregon needs steady, proven leadership. Governor Kotek has been a steady partner in defending our climate, protecting our communities, and moving our state forward.

Since taking office as Governor, she has:

• Re-established Oregon’s Climate Protection Program, putting us back on track to reduce climate pollution through 2050

After a thorough process, our members endorsed Governor Tina Kotek in her reelection campaign. Governor Kotek has been a labor champion since her time in the Oregon Legislature and has continued to fight for our members as governor. Even in a difficult budget cycle facing federal funding cuts, Governor Kotek ensured we had the resources to win good contracts for our state and homecare members. She has stood up for Oregon and our values in the face of unprecedented federal attacks on immigrants, trans people, and communities across our state. Now more than ever, we need Governor Kotek’s leadership. 

The endorsement was made through our transparent, member-driven process led by CAPE, our political action committee. With the May 19 Primary Election fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get involved. If you haven’t already, join CAPE today and help guide your union’s political program. 

SALEM, Ore. — Today, surrounded by Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed into law the state’s new ban on rapid fire devices, a major victory in the fight to keep machine-gun-like firepower off Oregon’s streets. SB 243 will prohibit the sale and possession of dangerous rapid fire devices and machine gun conversion devices.  This law will take devices like bump stocks and  Glock switches, which are small illegal attachments that can turn a standard handgun into a machine gun, out of Oregon communities.

The new law also empowers local governments to prohibit firearms in certain municipal buildings, helping protect civic spaces where Oregonians should feel safe participating in public life.

Kotek said that she and other state and local leaders were in lockstep and well-prepared at the moment of impact, and have continued to be in the week since.

“Gov. Kotek expressed her concerns, stating, ‘There is no insurrection or threat to public safety that necessitates military intervention in Portland or any other city in our state.’ She emphasized that deploying the National Guard on Oregon streets is ‘an abuse of power and a disservice to our communities and our service members.’”

“From easing the stress of medical debt to making sure there are no surprise fees with online purchases to helping families clearly understand the terms of buying a car — these new bills give Oregonians more peace of mind, fairness, and transparency they need for a more secure future,” Kotek said.”

“Pledging communication about vaccines that will be “grounded in science, not ideology,” the governors of California, Washington and Oregon announced Wednesday they will form a West Coast Health Alliance to begin coordinating public health guidelines separate from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”