Oregon’s new secretary of state plans to publish monthly databases with information about campaign finance scofflaws.
Politics
State ethics watchdogs launch investigation into former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan
State ethics watchdogs have launched a full investigation into former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s conduct while in office, including her $10,000-per-month consulting gig for marijuana entrepreneurs and whether she accurately reported her income and expenses to the state.
Merkley town hall for Washington County residents is July 15
The latest town hall for Washington County residents to meet with Oregon’s junior Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) will be held in Hillsboro Saturday, July 15 at 1 p.m.
Kotek names retired Portland-area auditor as new secretary of state after scandal forced Fagan out
Gov. Tina Kotek tapped LaVonne Griffin-Valade, a longtime government auditor in the Portland area, to become Oregon’s next secretary of state, an appointment that marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for the office following the resignation of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan in early May amid a moonlighting scandal.
Oregon Senate Republican walkout ends with compromises
Oregon Senate leaders on Thursday reached a deal that brought a handful of Republicans back to the floor, ending the longest walkout in state history and clearing the way for the Legislature to pass a budget and start working through hundreds of backlogged bills.
Gales Creek’s Senator Suzanne Weber joins senators barred from running for reelection in 2026
Suzanne Weber, representing Gales Creek, Glenwood, Hillside, and the North Coast and Columbia County, will not be eligible to run again for her seat in 2026 after ten unexcused absences in the State Senate.
Oregon House Speaker Rayfield says Stout should resign after judge upholds restraining order
A judge upheld a restraining order a woman filed against Gales Creek’s representative in the Oregon House Tuesday, writing that the woman who accused Stout was credible and Stout was not.
Oregon Republican representative accused of sexual abuse stripped of committees
Since Nov. 7, Brian Stout, R-Columbia City, has been subject to a five-year order of protection from a former campaign volunteer who reported that he had sexually assaulted her and threatened her life. A Columbia County judge will continue hearing arguments over whether the order should remain in place later this spring.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek takes office with a promise to ‘make things better’
Kotek plans to declare a homelessness state of emergency and sign an executive order calling for more housing on her first full day in office Tuesday.
Local legislators expected to be sworn in next week
As Oregon gears up for a legislative session in two weeks, several local legislators will be sworn in January 9. Find out who’s representing your interests in Salem.