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Summary
Tina Kotek is Oregon's 39th governor, serving since January 2023. She is the first openly lesbian governor of Oregon and one of the first two openly lesbian women to serve as governor of any U.S. state. Before becoming governor, Kotek served as the longest-serving Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives (2013-2022) and represented Oregon House District 44 (2007-2022). She began her career as a public policy advocate for the Oregon Food Bank and policy director for Children First for Oregon. Kotek is from York, Pennsylvania, and moved to Oregon in 1987.
Background
Born September 30, 1966, in York, Pennsylvania. Moved to Oregon in 1987 and earned a B.S. in religious studies from University of Oregon (1990) and M.A. in international studies/comparative religion from University of Washington. Before elected office, worked for Oregon Food Bank and Children First for Oregon. First elected to House in 2006 for District 44 (Northeast Portland). Became House Speaker in 2013, the first openly lesbian legislative speaker in U.S. history. Served as longest-serving Oregon House Speaker (nine years). Married to Aimee Kotek Wilson (social worker). Elected governor in 2022 with 47% of vote in three-way race.