Oregon's Kate Brown Stepping Down as Senate Majority Leader

Brown will facilitate the election of the next Majority Leader.

Kate Brown gives Ben Westlund a hug on his announcement to run for Oregon Governor gayrightswatch.com

(SALEM,Ore.) - At a meeting today of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland), informed her colleagues she would be stepping down as Majority Leader after the 2007 Legislature adjourns and a new leader is elected.

“It has been an honor to lead this caucus for the last nine years, and I want to thank my caucus members for their support,” said Senator Brown. “We have done remarkable work together, and we have delivered on our commitment to bring real progress for all Oregonians.”

When Brown was first elected Leader in 1998, there were only ten Democrats in the Oregon Senate. Under her leadership, that number grew to eighteen, a solid majority that has enabled the Senate to make monumental strides for Oregon.

“It’s been an amazing run, and whatever the future holds, I am committed to continuing the fight to strengthen our great state,” said Senator Brown.

Citing progress on a number of key issues – including increased funding for early education, K-12 schools and higher education; making health care more affordable and accessible; restoring 100 state troopers to protect Oregon’s highways; protecting consumers; investing in renewable energy; expanding the Oregon Bottle Bill; enacting landmark civil rights protections; and passing comprehensive ethics reform – Brown said she leaves her role as Majority Leader with a great sense of accomplishment.

“Working together as a team, we’ve passed significant initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Oregonians,” said Brown. “We’ve also made government more accountable to its citizens, and we’ve worked hard to restore Oregonians’ confidence in their Legislature. I was particularly honored to lead our caucus during this amazing last session, and the time is right for me to turn over the reigns to the next leader of this strong and unified team.”

Senator Brown will preside over a special meeting of her caucus in the weeks ahead to facilitate the election of the next Senate Majority Leader.