Everything you need to know about ranked-choice voting in one spot. Click to learn more!

Governor of Oregon

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Oregon Governor

Seal of Oregon.png

General information
Office Type:  Partisan
Office website:  Official Link
Compensation:  $98,600
2023-25 FY Budget:  $30,955,627
Term limits:  8 years in office during any 12 year period
Structure
Length of term:   4 years
Authority:  Oregon Constitution, Article V, Section I
Selection Method:  Elected
Current Officeholder(s)

Governor of Oregon Tina Kotek
Democratic Party
Assumed office: January 9, 2023

Elections
Next election:  November 3, 2026
Last election:  November 8, 2022
Other Oregon Executive Offices
Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission

The Governor of the State of Oregon is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch, and the highest state office in Oregon. The governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two four-year terms out of a 12-year span.[1]

Oregon has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

Oregon has a Democratic triplex. The Democratic Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.

See also: Oregon State Legislature, Oregon House of Representatives, Oregon State Senate

Current officeholder

The current Governor of Oregon is Tina Kotek (D). Kotek assumed office in 2023.

Authority

The Oregon Constitution addresses the office of the governor in Article V, the Executive Department.[1]

Under Article V, Section I:

The cheif [sic] executive power of the State, shall be vested in a Governor...

Qualifications

State Executives
StateExecLogo.png
Current Governors
Gubernatorial Elections
2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014
Current Lt. Governors
Lt. Governor Elections
2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014

A candidate for the governorship must be:

  • a United States citizen
  • at least 30 years old
  • a resident of Oregon for at least three years

The age requirement does not apply to someone who succeeds to office under Section 8a of Article V.[1]

Vacancies

See also: How gubernatorial vacancies are filled

Details of vacancy appointments are addressed under Article V, Section 8a.

The state of Oregon has no formal office of the lieutenant governor. Instead, the secretary of state serves as the ex officio lieutenant governor and succeeds the governor if the latter dies, resigns, is removed from office, or is unable to discharge the office.

After the secretary of state, the treasurer, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, and then the Speaker of the House shall follow in the line of succession.

An acting governor holds the office until the governor's disability is removed or until the next biennial election, when a special election shall be held. When the treasurer or secretary of state is the acting governor, an appointment is made for someone to fill the office of the treasurer or secretary of state.

An appointed treasurer or secretary of state may not succeed to the elected governorship.

Elections

Oregon elects governors in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not presidential election years. For Oregon, 2018, 2022, 2026, 2030, and 2034 are all gubernatorial election years. Legally, the gubernatorial inauguration is always set for the second Monday in the January following an election.

In the event of a tie, a joint session of the legislature shall cast ballots to choose from the two top vote getters. If the election is contested, the legislature shall decide the manner of addressing and settling the contest.[1]

Term limits

See also: States with gubernatorial term limits

Oregon governors are restricted to 8 years in office during any 12 year period.

Oregon Constitution, Article V, Section 1

“ The cheif [sic] executive power of the State, shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for the term of four years; and no person shall be eligible to such office more than Eight, in any period of twelve years.[1][2] ”

Partisan composition

The chart below shows the partisan breakdown of Oregon governors from 1992 to 2013.
Governor of Oregon Partisanship.PNG

2022

See also: Oregon gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Oregon

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Oregon on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tina Kotek
Tina Kotek (D / Working Families Party)
 
47.0
 
917,074
Image of Christine Drazan
Christine Drazan (R)
 
43.5
 
850,347
Image of Betsy Johnson
Betsy Johnson (Independent)
 
8.6
 
168,431
Image of Donice Smith
Donice Smith (Constitution Party)
 
0.4
 
8,051
Image of R. Leon Noble
R. Leon Noble (L) Candidate Connection
 
0.4
 
6,867
Image of Paul Romero
Paul Romero (Constitution Party of Oregon) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
0
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
2,113

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,952,883
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Oregon

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Governor of Oregon on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tina Kotek
Tina Kotek
 
56.0
 
275,301
Image of Tobias Read
Tobias Read
 
31.7
 
156,017
Image of Patrick Starnes
Patrick Starnes Candidate Connection
 
2.1
 
10,524
Image of George Carrillo
George Carrillo Candidate Connection
 
1.9
 
9,365
Image of Michael Trimble
Michael Trimble Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
5,000
Image of John Sweeney
John Sweeney
 
0.9
 
4,193
Image of Julian Bell
Julian Bell Candidate Connection
 
0.8
 
3,926
Image of Wilson Bright
Wilson Bright Candidate Connection
 
0.5
 
2,316
Image of Dave Stauffer
Dave Stauffer
 
0.5
 
2,302
Image of Ifeanyichukwu Diru
Ifeanyichukwu Diru
 
0.4
 
1,780
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Keisha Merchant
 
0.4
 
1,755
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Genevieve Wilson
 
0.3
 
1,588
Image of Michael Cross
Michael Cross
 
0.3
 
1,342
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
David Beem
 
0.3
 
1,308
Image of Peter Hall
Peter Hall
 
0.2
 
982
 Other/Write-in votes
 
2.8
 
13,746

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 491,445
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Oregon

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Oregon on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Christine Drazan
Christine Drazan
 
22.5
 
85,255
Image of Bob Tiernan
Bob Tiernan
 
17.5
 
66,089
Image of Stan Pulliam
Stan Pulliam
 
10.9
 
41,123
Image of Bridget Barton
Bridget Barton Candidate Connection
 
10.8
 
40,886
Image of Bud Pierce
Bud Pierce Candidate Connection
 
8.7
 
32,965
Image of Marc Thielman
Marc Thielman Candidate Connection
 
7.9
 
30,076
Image of Kerry McQuisten
Kerry McQuisten
 
7.6
 
28,727
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Bill Sizemore
 
3.5
 
13,261
Image of Jessica Gomez
Jessica Gomez
 
2.6
 
9,970
Image of Tim McCloud
Tim McCloud Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
4,400
Image of Nick Hess
Nick Hess Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
4,287
Image of Court Boice
Court Boice
 
1.1
 
4,040
Image of Brandon Merritt
Brandon Merritt Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
3,615
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Reed Christensen
 
0.8
 
3,082
Image of Amber Richardson
Amber Richardson Candidate Connection
 
0.5
 
1,924
Image of Raymond Baldwin
Raymond Baldwin
 
0.1
 
459
Image of David Burch
David Burch
 
0.1
 
406
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
John Presco
 
0.0
 
174
Image of Stefan Strek
Stefan Strek
 
0.0
 
171
 Other/Write-in votes
 
2.0
 
7,407

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 378,317
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Past elections

Expand All
2018
2016
2014
2010
2006
2002


Duties

The governor is the commander-in-chief of the state military (§ 9). The governor also has the power to grant pardons and reprieves and to commute sentences (§ 14). The governor may convene a special session of the state legislature (§ 12).

Additionally, the governor serves on the State Land Board which is tasked with managing state-owned lands to "obtain the greatest benefit for the people of Oregon, consistent with resource conservation and sound land management."

Other duties and privileges of the office include:

  • Making periodic addresses to the General Assembly concerning and the state of the state and making recommendations on legislation (§ 11)
  • Upholding and ensuring the faithful execution of all state laws (§ 10)
  • Requiring written information from the head of any Administrative or Military Department on their duties and offices (§ 13)
  • Vetoing bills, including enjoying a line-item veto and an emergency clause veto (§ 15a). The gubernatorial veto is subject to a two-third majority override of the legislature (§ 15b)
  • Making vacancies, including recess vacancies, for all offices not otherwise provided for. The appointment shall be for the remainder of the term if the next general election is within 61 days. Otherwise, a special election shall be called (§ 16)
  • Issuing writs of special election for all vacancies that occur in the legislature (§ 17)
  • Signing all commissions issues in the name of the state of Oregon (§ 18)[1]

Divisions

Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for information that describes the divisions (if any exist) of a state executive office. That information for the Governor of Oregon has not yet been added. After extensive research we were unable to identify any relevant information on state official websites. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.

State budget

Role in state budget

See also: Oregon state budget and finances

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[4]

  1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in March.
  2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in September.
  3. Agency hearings are held between September and November.
  4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature by December 1. For new governors, the deadline is the first day the legislature convenes.
  5. The legislature adopts a budget between February and June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The biennium begins July 1.

Oregon is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[4][5]

The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[4]

Governor's office budget

The budget for the governor's office for the 2023-25 biennium was $30,955,627.[6]

Compensation

See also: Comparison of gubernatorial salaries and Compensation of state executive officers

DocumentIcon.jpg See statutes: Chapter 292, Section 311 of the Oklahoma Statutes

The governor, along with the rest of Oregon's elected executives, is entitled to an annual salary, payable monthly, in accordance with Title 28, Chapter 292, Section 311 (§ 292.311) of the Oregon Statutes.

2023

In 2023, the officer's salary was $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[7]

2022

In 2022, the officer's salary was $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[8]

2021

In 2021, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[9]

2020

In 2020, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[10]

2019

In 2019, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[11]

2018

In 2018, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[12]

2017

In 2017, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[13]

2016

In 2016, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[14]

2015

In 2015, the governor received a salary of $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[15]

2014

In 2014, the governor's salary was increased to $98,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[16]

2013

In 2013, the governor's salary remained at $93,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[17]

Historical officeholders

There have been 38 gubernatorial administrations and 37 governors of Oregon since 1859. Of the 37 officeholders, 20 were Republican, 16 were Democratic, and one was an Independent.[18]

Noteworthy events

2025: Recall effort against Governor Kotek

See also: Tina Kotek recall, Governor of Oregon (2025)

An effort to recall Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (D) began on July 28, 2025. Supporters of the recall have 90 days—or no later than October 27, 2025—to collect 292,933 signatures to require a recall election.[19]

Proponents of the recall effort criticize Governor Kotek for supporting policies they believe give preference to undocumented immigrants over veterans, low-income families, and law-abiding citizens. The recall effort also argues that Kotek's failure to comply with presidential executive orders and mandates has resulted in the loss of federal funding for the state.[20] Kotek’s campaign advisor, Thomas Wheatley, issued the following response to the recall effort:[21]

“

The Governor is committed to addressing Oregon’s most pressing issues — increasing affordable housing, expanding mental health care access, improving education, and ensuring we can fairly compensate the workers who operate snowplows in winter and maintain road safety throughout the year.[2]

”

2015: John Kitzhaber ethics investigation

See also: John Kitzhaber recall, Oregon (2015)

John Kitzhaber 2013.jpg

Resignation of Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber
Term in office:
1995-2003, 2011-2015
Next in succession:
Secretary of State Kate Brown (D)
Related pages
Resignation overview
February 11 story
February 13 story
Impeachment amendment
Recall effort
Cylvia Hayes
Kate Brown
Ellen Rosenblum
Governor of Oregon
Governor
Vacancy process

Kitzhaber announced his resignation from office on February 13, 2015, effective February 18. The following sections detail the story surrounding Kitzhaber's resignation.

Ethics concerns before 2014 election

On October 13, 2014, Kitzhaber requested an investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission into whether his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, used her access to the governor's office to improve her consulting business. A story in the Willamette Week indicated that Hayes advised Kitzhaber about economic and energy issues while also providing consulting services in the same policy areas. On February 5, 2015, Kitzhaber announced that Hayes would no longer serve as a policy advisor following conflict of interest allegations.[22] Oregon's government ethics regulations are designed to prevent conflicts of interest among public officials. Hayes did not receive payments from the state when advising Kitzhaber, but the governor's general counsel, Liani Reeves, noted that she was considered a public official due to her dual role as advisor and first lady.[23]

Kitzhaber's aides said that all contracts and policy documents were reviewed prior to approval to comply with state ethics laws. Hayes stated that accusations about conflicts of interest were inaccurate and that she worked as an advisor and outside consultant to ensure "a clean economy and more sustainable future for Oregon."[23] Dennis Richardson (R), Kitzhaber's opponent in the 2014 election, called his administration "inept and unethical."[23][24]

Financial disclosures

Three ethics complaints were filed against Kitzhaber following his October 13 request, including an October 15 complaint by the Oregon Republican Party, an October 16 complaint by state Rep. Vicki Berger (R) and an October 30 complaint by 2014 Democratic primary foe Ifeanyichukwu Diru.[25][26] The seven-member ethics commission held no meetings prior to the November 4 general election. A hearing in March 2015 would have determined if the commission proceeded with a formal investigation of these complaints, though Kitzhaber's resignation cast doubt about the commission's role in future investigations.

Disclosures made to the commission in January 2015 revealed $213,000 in earnings as a consultant from 2011 to 2014, including $118,000 in unreported payments from the Clean Economy Development Center. These totals were at odds with statements made by the governor and his staff as well as federal income tax documents from that period.[27] The editorial board of The Oregonian made national news by calling for Kitzhaber's resignation on February 4, given the paper's endorsement of the governor during his previous election bids.[28]

Emails about Genuine Progress Indicator

On February 6, 2015, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services released emails between Hayes, Kitzhaber and department director Michael Jordan regarding a new economic policy called the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI). These emails, sent between April 2013 and April 2014, revealed Hayes' close involvement in implementing the policy. Hayes was under contract with Demos, a New York-based think tank, from June to November 2013. Hayes sent an email to Jordan requesting a meeting on May 13, 2013, to discuss challenges for the GPI, only three days after signing a contract with Demos. An email from October 30, 2013, requested $125,000 to launch the GPI and listed Hayes and Demos among the "Oregon GPI Team."[29]

Emails from the same period showed Kitzhaber's efforts to hire Sean McGuire, an advisor under contract with Demos. McGuire had previously worked with Demos to install the GPI, a measurement of economic progress that takes into account well-being and productivity, in Maryland. On December 30, 2013, Kitzhaber lobbied Jordan to hire McGuire, indicating that he was the "best person to do this work...and we need to find a way to bring him on." McGuire was hired in spring 2014 for a one-year contract totaling $65,000, though Jordan downplayed suggestions that Kitzhaber pressured him into the decision.[29]

Investigation by Attorney General

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) announced on February 9 that she was initiating a criminal investigation of Kitzhaber and Hayes.[30] She announced the investigation on the same day as Kitzhaber publicly requested a criminal investigation of his administration. The attorney general's office has the ability to request records, issue subpoenas to witnesses and charge the governor and his advisors with illegal activity. Rosenblum delayed an investigation because she was concerned about her office's role as attorney for the executive branch, though former state officials argued that she was responsible for investigating corruption within the branch. Republican legislators including Ted Ferrioli supported the investigation, but argued that a special prosecutor should be appointed to eliminate concerns about Rosenblum's objectivity in dealing with a fellow Democratic official.[31]

On February 20, defense attorney Janet Hoffman sent a request to halt review of Kitzhaber's emails by the attorney general until she had an opportunity to evaluate the documents. Hoffman argued that the former governor's personal emails were co-mingled with official emails without his permission. She also argued that DAS did not "legitimately possess" personal emails, invalidating the documents from becoming evidence in state or federal investigations. Hoffman also requested an independent investigation into leaks of Kitzhaber's emails to Willamette Weekly and The Oregonian.[32]

The state ethics commission suspended its investigation on February 11.[33]

Speculation about resignation

On February 11, local and national media speculated that Kitzhaber could resign from office. The governor canceled a Valentine's Day appearance with Tigard-based Friends of Trees on that day. The head of Friends of Trees, Scott Fogarty, noted that the plans were tentative and saw no connection with ongoing ethics concerns.[34] Jim McDermott, an attorney representing Kitzhaber, told reporters on the 11th that the governor had no intention of resigning.[35] Kitzhaber confirmed McDermott's statement later in the day in an interview with The Statesman Journal.[36]

Secretary of State Kate Brown (D) also stoked speculation by ending a trip to Washington, D.C., two days early to return home on the 11th.

Kitzhaber denies intent to resign

Late in the day on February 11, Kitzhaber issued an official statement denying that he had any intention of resigning: "Let me be as clear as I was last week, that I have no intention of resigning as Governor of the state of Oregon."[37]

Sources report Kitzhaber change-of-heart

On February 12, multiple outlets reported that Kitzhaber told aides on the 8th that he would resign, requested Brown's return to Salem and met with legislative leaders on the 10th before reconsidering resignation on the 11th.[38][39]

Kate Brown's February 12 statement

Brown issued a statement in the mid-afternoon on February 12 saying that her return to Oregon on February 11 was requested by Kitzhaber but that when she returned and met with him, he asked her why she had returned to the state. She described this back-and-forth as "bizarre."[40]

The following is Brown's full statement:

“

Late Tuesday afternoon, I received a call from the Governor while I was in Washington, DC at a Secretaries of State conference. He asked me to come back to Oregon as soon as possible to speak with him in person and alone.

I got on a plane yesterday morning and arrived at 3:40 in the afternoon. I was escorted directly into a meeting with the Governor. It was a brief meeting. He asked me why I came back early from Washington, DC, which I found strange. I asked him what he wanted to talk about. The Governor told me he was not resigning, after which, he began a discussion about transition.

This is clearly a bizarre and unprecedented situation.

I informed the Governor that I am ready, and my staff will be ready, should he resign. Right now I am focused on doing my job for the people of Oregon. [40][2]

”
Legislative leaders, treasurer call for resignation

On the same afternoon as Brown's statement, Senate President Pete Courtney (D), House Speaker Tina Kotek (D) and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler (D) called on Kitzhaber to resign from office.[41][42] The trio announced their support for Kitzhaber's resignation following an emergency caucus of state Democrats. Wheeler made the following statement to The Oregonian:

“

It is with deep sadness that I ask Governor John Kitzhaber to resign his position as Governor of Oregon. He has accomplished many great things during his long career, and history will be kinder to him than current events suggest.

Unfortunately, the current situation has become untenable, and I cannot imagine any scenario by which things improve. Oregon deserves a Governor who is fully focused on the duties of state.

I hope the Governor will do the right thing for Oregon and its citizens. [2]

”
—The Oregonian, (2015)

[43]

Attempted deletion of personal emails

A records request by Willamette Week and 101.9 FM KINK in Oregon found that the governor's office ordered the deletion of emails from Kitzhaber's personal account on February 5. The order, sent by executive assistant Jan Murdock, asked for all messages in Kitzhaber's personal email to be removed from servers. Several supervisors at the Department of Administrative Service's Technology Support Center refused to comply with the order. Any personal emails used to discuss government business would be considered public records according to the state's open records laws.[44]

Attorney general order for Hayes emails

On February 12, Rosenblum ordered Hayes to deliver personal emails related to state business to The Oregonian following a public records request by the newspaper on December 29, 2014. Attorney Whitney Boise, speaking on behalf of Hayes, argued to Rosenblum that his client's emails were private because she was not a public official. This claim was rejected by Rosenblum's office, which issued the order based on the fact that Hayes worked "extensively on government matters." Hayes had to comply with the attorney general's order or seek an injunction by February 19.[45]

February 13 resignation

Kitzhaber announced his resignation from the governor's office on the morning of Friday, February 13. His resignation became effective on Wednesday, February 18. In a statement to the media, Kitzhaber stated:

“

I am announcing today that I will resign as Governor of the State of Oregon.

It is not in my nature to walk away from a job I have undertaken – it is to stand and fight for the cause. For that reason I apologize to all those people who gave of their faith, time, energy and resources to elect me to a fourth term last year and who have supported me over the past three decades. I promise you that I will continue to pursue our shared goals and our common cause in another venue.

I must also say that it is deeply troubling to me to realize that we have come to a place in the history of this great state of ours where a person can be charged, tried, convicted and sentenced by the media with no due process and no independent verification of the allegations involved. But even more troubling – and on a very personal level as someone who has given 35 years of public service to Oregon – is that so many of my former allies in common cause have been willing to simply accept this judgment at its face value.

It is something that is hard for me to comprehend – something we might expect in Washington, D.C. but surely not in Oregon. I do not know what it means for our shared future but I do know that it is seriously undermining civic engagement in this state and the quality of the public discourse that once made Oregon stand out from the pack.

Nonetheless, I understand that I have become a liability to the very institutions and policies to which I have dedicated my career and, indeed, my entire adult life. As a former presiding officer I fully understand the reasons for which I have been asked to resign. I wish Speaker Kotek and President Courtney and their colleagues on both sides of the aisle success in this legislative session and beyond. And I hope that they are truly committed to carrying forward the spirit of bipartisanship and collaboration that has marked the last four years in Oregon. [2]

”
—Oregon Public Broadcasting, (2015)

[46]

Federal subpoena
Copy of subpoena available here

On February 12, federal prosecutors issued a subpoena to the Department of Administrative Services for emails and records from Kitzhaber, Hayes and other members of the outgoing administration. The subpoena also sought records of payments to Hayes and her firm, 3E Strategies. All subpoenaed documents were presented to a federal grand jury scheduled to convene on March 10.[47]

Federal prosecutors end investigation with no criminal charges

On June 16, 2017, federal prosecutors ended the investigation into Kitzhaber and Hayes without pressing criminal charges. The investigation involved the U.S. Attorney's Office for Oregon, the FBI, and criminal divisions of the Justice Department and the IRS.[48]

On June 20, 2017, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission restarted its investigation, which had been suspended in February 2015.[49]

Ethics commission finds violation of state ethics laws

In November 2017, the ethics commission released a preliminary report outlining four counts of state ethics violations. The commission and Kitzhaber negotiated an agreement to fine Kitzhaber $1,000 for three violations. Commissioners rejected the agreement 7 to 1.[50]

On January 5, 2018, the ethics commission unanimously voted that Hayes violated state ethics laws 22 times.[51]

Second ethics commission report and vote

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission released a second report on February 14, 2018, expanding Kitzhaber's violations of state ethics laws from four to 11: seven counts of conflicts of interest, three counts of misuse of office for financial gain, and one count of improper gift receipt.[52][50]

On February 16, the ethics commission voted unanimously that Kitzhaber committed 10 of the 11 ethics violations detailed in the report. The commission dropped one alleged violation—allowing a staff member to care for Hayes’ pets.[53]

Before the commission's vote, Kitzhaber acknowledged responsibility for 10 out of 11 alleged violations but disputed that he had used his public office for personal gain.[53]

Ethics violations can result in up to $5,000 in fines per violation if there is no appeal or settlement. An appeal would go to the state Office of Administrative Hearings. If the results were still disputed, an appeal would go to the Oregon Court of Appeals and then to the Oregon Supreme Court.[54]

On March 28, 2018, Kitzhaber agreed to pay a $20,000 fine in a negotiated settlement.[55]


Resignations from office

There have been five governors in the state's history who resigned prior to the conclusion of their terms. The most recent case of John Kitzhaber, who resigned due to an ethics and criminal investigation concerning conflicts of interest related to his fiancee and advisor Cylvia Hayes, was the first gubernatorial resignation in Oregon since 1952. The following table details these governors and their reasons for leaving office:[18]

Gubernatorial resignations in Oregon history
Governor Party End of last term Resignation year Reason
Lafayette Grover Electiondot.png Democratic 1879 1877 Appointment to U.S. Senate
George Earle Chamberlain Electiondot.png Democratic 1911 1909 Appointment to U.S. Senate
Frank Benson Ends.png Republican 1911 1910 Illness
James Douglas McKay Ends.png Republican 1953 1952 Federal appointment
John Kitzhaber Electiondot.png Democratic 2019 2015 Ethics and criminal investigation

History

Partisan balance 1992-2013

Who Runs the States Project
See also: Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States and Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States, Oregon
Partisan breakdown of the Oregon governorship from 1992-2013

During every year from 1992-2013 there were Democratic governors in office for Oregon. Oregon is one of seven states that were run by a Democratic governor for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. Oregon was under a Democratic trifecta for the final year of the study.

Across the country, there were 493 years of Democratic governors (44.82%) and 586 years of Republican governors (53.27%) from 1992 to 2013.

Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Oregon, the Oregon State Senate and the Oregon House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.

Partisan composition of Oregon state government(1992-2013).PNG

SQLI and partisanship

The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Oregon state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. Oregon had Democratic trifectas from 2007-2010 and again in 2013. The state's lowest SQLI ranking, finishing 39th, occurred in 2005. Its highest ranking, finishing 18th, occurred in 2011. Both occurred when the government was divided.

Chart displaying the partisanship of the Oregon government from 1992-2013 and the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI).

State profile

Demographic data for Oregon
 OregonU.S.
Total population:4,024,634316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):95,9883,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:85.1%73.6%
Black/African American:1.8%12.6%
Asian:4%5.1%
Native American:1.2%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.4%0.2%
Two or more:4.1%3%
Hispanic/Latino:12.3%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:89.8%86.7%
College graduation rate:30.8%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$51,243$53,889
Persons below poverty level:18.4%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Oregon.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

Presidential voting pattern

See also: Presidential voting trends in Oregon

Oregon voted for the Democratic candidate in all seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.

Pivot Counties (2016)

Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, two are located in Oregon, accounting for 0.97 percent of the total pivot counties.[56]

Pivot Counties (2020)

In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Oregon had two Retained Pivot Counties, 1.10 of all Retained Pivot Counties.

More Oregon coverage on Ballotpedia

Contact information

Office of the Governor
160 State Capitol
900 Court Street, Suite 254
Salem, Oregon 97301-4047
Phone: 503-378-4582

See also

Oregon State Executive Elections News and Analysis
Seal of Oregon.png
StateExecLogo.png
Ballotpedia RSS.jpg
Oregon State Executive Offices
Oregon State Legislature
Oregon Courts
2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016
Oregon elections: 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016
Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Oregon State Legislature, "Oregon Constitution 2014 Edition," accessed January 18, 2021
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "November 8, 2016, General Election Abstract of Votes," accessed May 25, 2017
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
  5. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
  6. ↑ Oregon Legislature, "2023-25 Budget Highlights Update," accessed December 6, 2023
  7. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2023 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 21, 2025
  8. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2022 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," provided to Ballotpedia by CSG personnel
  9. ↑ Issuu, "The Book of the States 2021," accessed September 28, 2022
  10. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2020," accessed January 18, 2021
  11. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2019," accessed January 18, 2021
  12. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2018," accessed January 18, 2021
  13. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2017," accessed January 18, 2021
  14. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed January 18, 2021
  15. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed January 18, 2021
  16. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 18, 2021
  17. ↑ Council of State Governments, "CSG Releases 2013 Governor Salaries," June 25, 2013
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 National Governors Association, "Former Oregon Governors," accessed January 18, 2021
  19. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Initiatives, Referendums, Referrals and Recall," accessed August 5, 2025
  20. ↑ Grant Pass Tribune, "Interest Surges in Kotek Recall Effort as Petition Prepares to Circulate," July 30, 2025
  21. ↑ KTVZ, "‘She’s not protecting our well-being’: La Pine chief petitioner speaks out on why he began recall effort targeting Governor Kotek," August 4, 2025
  22. ↑ Governing, "Oregon Governor Says His Fiancee Will Have No Policy Role, But It Might Be Too Late," February 5, 2015
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Willamette Week, "First Lady Inc.," October 8, 2014
  24. ↑ KGW, "Kitzhaber requests ethics review of Cylvia Hayes," October 15, 2014
  25. ↑ The Oregonian, "Republican Vicki Berger filed first ethics complaint naming John Kitzhaber, Cylvia Hayes," October 16, 2014
  26. ↑ GoLocalPDX, "Democrat Joins with Richardson, Demands Kitzhaber Release Records," October 30, 2014
  27. ↑ The Oregonian, "Cylvia Hayes discloses another $118,000 for consulting fees," January 28, 2015
  28. ↑ The Oregonian, "John Kitzhaber must resign: Editorial," February 5, 2015
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 The Oregonian, "John Kitzhaber controversy: Cylvia Hayes directed state officials on policy she was being paid to promote, emails show," February 6, 2015
  30. ↑ New York Times, "Oregon Bedfellows Make for Strange Politics," February 11, 2015
  31. ↑ Governing, "Oregon AG Launches Criminal Investigation of Gov. Kitzhaber and His Fiancee," February 10, 2015
  32. ↑ The Oregonian, "Kitzhaber's defense lawyer wants to block ex-governor's emails from feds," February 20, 2015
  33. ↑ The Oregonian, "John Kitzhaber controversy: Ethics Commission review on hold as criminal investigation of governor, Cylvia Hayes underway," February 11, 2015
  34. ↑ The Oregonian, "John Kitzhaber cancels plans to attend weekend event in Tigard," February 11, 2015
  35. ↑ Oregon Public Broadcasting, "Lawyer: Gov. John Kitzhaber Isn't Resigning," February 11, 2015
  36. ↑ The Statesman Journal, "Gov. Kitzhaber says he is not resigning," February 11, 2015
  37. ↑ ABC News, "Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber Says He's Not Resigning," February 11, 2015
  38. ↑ Governing, "Oregon Governor Planned to Resign Then Changed His Mind, Sources Say," February 12, 2015
  39. ↑ Herald and News, "Kitzhaber reconsiders resignation," February 12, 2015
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Politico, "Oregon secretary of state describes ‘bizarre’ John Kitzhaber meeting," February 12, 2015
  41. ↑ ABC News, "Top Democrats Call on Kitzhaber to Resign Governorship," February 12, 2015
  42. ↑ The Statesman Journal, "Courtney, Wheeler calling for Kitzhaber to resign," February 12, 2015
  43. ↑ The Oregonian, "Treasurer Ted Wheeler calls for John Kitzhaber to resign," February 12, 2015
  44. ↑ Willamette Week, "Gov. John Kitzhaber's Office Sought To Destroy Thousands of His Emails," February 12, 2015
  45. ↑ The Oregonian, "Oregon attorney general orders Cylvia Hayes to disclose emails to The Oregonian/OregonLive," February 12, 2015
  46. ↑ Oregon Public Broadcasting, "NEWS RELEASE: Governor Kitzhaber Announces Resignation," February 13, 2015
  47. ↑ The Oregonian, "Federal authorities subpoena Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber records," February 13, 2015
  48. ↑ The United States Attorney's Office, District of Oregon, "Statement Regarding Closure of Investigation of Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and First Lady Cylvia Hayes," June 16, 2017
  49. ↑ Willamette Week, "Oregon Government Ethics Commission Will Resume Probe of Complaints Against Kitzhaber and Hayes," June 20, 2017
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Willamette Week, "Oregon Government Ethics Commission Investigation Says Kitzhaber Used Public Office to Benefit Himself," February 14, 2018
  51. ↑ Portland Tribune, "Hayes faces $100,000-plus in fines for ethics violations," January 5, 2018
  52. ↑ Oregon Government Ethics Commission, "Investigation report," February 8, 2018 (Pages 63-216)
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Willamette Week, "Former Gov. John Kitzhaber Pleads for His Legacy in Front of Oregon Government Ethics Commission," February 16, 2018
  54. ↑ Statesman Journal, "Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber could be fined $50,000 for 10 ethics violations," February 16, 2018
  55. ↑ Statesman Journal, "Former Gov. John Kitzhaber agrees to pay $20,000 fine for ethics violations," March 28, 2018
  56. ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
v • e
Governors
Current Governors
GovernorsLogo.jpg
Elections
2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010
Features
v • e
John Kitzhaber resignation
Main figures
Seal of Oregon.png
News
Analysis
Related pages


Flag of Oregon
v • e
State of Oregon
Salem (capital)
Elections

What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

Government

Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy

Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Governor_of_Oregon&oldid=10468617"