Tina Kotek Stepping Down From House As Governor's Race Builds

PORTLAND, OR — It's time to move on for Tina Kotek. The speaker of the Oregon House for the past nine years announced Thursday that her last day in the state legislature will be Friday, January 21.

From then on, it's time to focus on her race to succeed fellow Democrat Governor Kate Brown who is not seeking reelection. Kotek announced her candidacy last September.

"I am forever grateful to my constituents, my colleagues, and the entire state for the opportunity to serve," Kotek said.

"After considerable reflection, I have decided to step down from the legislature before the upcoming session. I have spent the past few months
working hard with my colleagues to set a session agenda that includes essential investments in the services Oregonians need and paves a path forward on important issues for workers, our natural resources, and economic growth."

Kotek's office points out that not only was she the longest-serving speaker in Oregon history, when she became speaker in 2013, she also became the first openly lesbian house speaker in the United States.

Kotek is the second state legislator to step down to focus on a run for governor.

Betsy Johnson, a longtime Democratic member of the state senate, gave up her seat last year to run for governor as an Independent.