Tina Kotek

Tina Kotek, born on September 30, 1966, is a prominent American politician who has made history as the 39th governor of Oregon since 2023. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Kotek previously represented the 44th district in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2007 to 2022, where she also served as the speaker from 2013 to 2022, becoming the first openly lesbian woman to hold this position in a U.S. state house.

With a remarkable tenure as the longest-serving speaker of the Oregon House, Kotek's leadership spanned nine years, during which she championed significant legislative reforms. Notably, in 2019, she led the charge to make Oregon the first state to eliminate single-family-exclusive zoning, allowing for the development of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas previously restricted to single-family homes.

In her role as governor, Kotek has prioritized addressing Oregon's housing crisis, with a commitment to invest three hundred seventy-six million dollars towards increasing housing production. Her efforts aim to ease the rules surrounding housing development, reflecting her dedication to creating more inclusive and accessible communities.

As one of the first two openly lesbian women elected as governors in the United States, Kotek's groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire many. She is also recognized as the third woman to serve as governor of Oregon, marking a significant milestone in the state's political landscape.