Who is Tina Kotek?
TINA Kotek has advanced in her political career from being the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives to being the governor of Oregon.
She has openly spoken out on abortion issues, racial justice, and mental health awareness.
Who is Tina Kotek?
Born on September 30, 1966, in York, Pennsylvania, Tina Kotek is career politician and the current governor-elect of Oregon.
She defeated her Republican opponent and former state lawmaker Christine Drazan and Independent Betsy Johnson in a three way race, and will assume office on January 9, 2023.
Kotek, a Democrat, served as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives from 2013 to 2022. She was the first openly lesbian person to serve as a speaker of a state house in the United States, as well as the longest-serving speaker in Oregon history.
READ MORE ON THE US SUN
Previously, she served as the Majority Leader of the Oregon House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013.
Why is Tina Kotek's win make historic?
After Kotek made history in 2013 as the first lesbian speaker of a state House of Representatives, her victory has made her one of the first openly lesbian governors in the United States.
She shares this title whith Maura Healey, the newly elected governor in the 2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial election on November 8, 2022.
Most read in US News
Prior to her election as governor, Kotek spoke to NBC News about her sexuality in the election race saying, "It’s not why I’m running. But I also know that it can create inspiration for other young people to be like, ‘Look, life can get better.
"I can do whatever I want, because look at this person or that person.’ So, it’d be an honor.”
Her drive is to increase inclusivity in schools and the workplace and expand on the conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity.
"I promise to always use my voice and my power in Oregon to stand up and defend and advance LGBTQ+ rights,” Kotek told Reuters.
"Oregon will not move backwards on my watch, and I will always keep my foot on the gas pedal to keep moving us forward for progress, equity, and justice."
Is Tina Kotek single?
As of the time of writing, TIna Kotek is currently married to Aimee Wilson.
Read More on The US Sun
They have lived in Portland Oregon, since 2005.
It is unclear if they have any children at this time.