Oregon’s new governor to be sworn in, discuss her priorities

By CLAIRE RUSH
Associated Press/Report for America

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Liberal Democrat Tina Kotek will be sworn in as Oregon’s new governor and make her inaugural address at the state Capitol in Salem on Monday. Kotek says her priorities include homelessness, mental health and addiction treatment, and education. She is one of the country’s first two openly lesbian governors, joining recently sworn-in Gov. Maura Healey of Massachusetts. Kotek previously served a record nine years as Oregon’s House Speaker. She replaces term-limited Democratic governor Kate Brown, whose strict pandemic measures made her a polarizing figure. Lawmakers also will be sworn in to the Democratic-controlled Legislature, which begins its session Jan. 17.