[Portland, OR] – Coming off the 49th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, Oregon’s three leading reproductive justice organizations announced their endorsements of Tina Kotek for Oregon Governor. The endorsements by Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon, Pro-Choice Oregon and The Mother PAC showcase Kotek as Oregon’s most effective leader for reproductive health care.
As the former Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Tina Kotek has been a tireless champion for reproductive health care and reproductive justice. Following the election of Donald Trump, Kotek led the passage of Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act, the strongest abortion rights law in the nation. Because of Kotek’s leadership, abortion rights will be protected for all Oregonians, no matter what happens at the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The rights guaranteed in Roe vs. Wade are in more danger now than ever before. Around the country, we are witnessing unprecedented attacks on access to reproductive health care,” said Tina Kotek, candidate for Governor. “Every person has the right to make decisions about their health, their bodies, and their futures. I am proud to have worked side-by-side with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Pro-Choice Oregon and The Mother PAC to ensure that every Oregonian can access the care they need. As Governor, I will fight to protect reproductive health care for all.”
“Tina is hands down the proven reproductive health champion Oregon needs to be our next Governor. At a moment when Roe vs. Wade hangs by a thread before the U.S. Supreme Court, Oregon needs a Governor who not only believes abortion must remain legal and accessible, but who will champion bold policies that expand access to reproductive health care for Oregonians and anyone who might be forced to travel to our state for care,” said Beverly Pearman, Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon Board Chair. “States like ours have long been leaders in the fight for reproductive freedom, but in this crisis moment, it is critical that we do more. We trust Tina to fight for the future of all Oregonians.”
“On what will likely be known as the last anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, Pro-Choice Oregon PAC proudly voted to endorse Tina Kotek, the leader we trust to support Oregon families amid unprecedented challenges.” said Christel Allen, Executive Director of Pro-Choice Oregon. “Our PAC took this decision seriously, knowing Oregon will not be immune to the harm caused by a Supreme Court bent on overturning 50 years of legal precedent. As the fight for abortion access shifts to the states, electing strong state leaders has never been more important. Tina has a record of expanding access for people that have been denied care due to citizenship status, gender identity or geographic location. She is committed to ensuring all Oregonians can access essential reproductive health care.”
“Tina Kotek is a proven, progressive leader and champion for Oregon’s women and families. We trust Tina to move Oregon forward and to continue to fight for our communities.” said Andrea Paluso, Executive Director of The Mother PAC. “As the longest serving House Speaker in Oregon’s history, Tina Kotek has an unmatched record of championing the nation’s strongest and most inclusive policies to support working women: raising the minimum wage, leading the effort to pass paid family and medical leave, equal pay for equal work, paid sick leave, and so much more.”
The campaign’s full list of endorsers to date includes:
Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon
Pro-Choice Oregon
The Mother PAC
EMILY’s List
Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC
LGBTQ Victory Fund
LPAC
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Safety and Justice Oregon
SEIU Locals 49 and 503
Oregon Nurses Association
Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)
Oregon State Building Trades Council
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 701
International Association of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 5
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 48 and 280
Iron Workers District Council of the Pacific Northwest
Oregon and Southern Idaho District Council of Laborers (LiUNA)
Sheet Metal Workers SMART Local 16
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290
Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle
Senator Michael Dembrow
Senator Sara Gelser Blouin
Senator Kayse Jama
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative WInsvey Campos
Representative Maxine Dexter
Representative Paul Evans
Representative Julie Fahey
Representative Dacia Grayber
Representative Paul Holvey
Representative Zach Hudson
Representative Jason Kropf
Representative John Lively
Representative Pam Marsh
Representative Susan McLain
Representative Rob Nosse
Representative Khanh Pham
Representative Karin Power
Representative Dan Rayfield
Representative Jeff Reardon
Representative Lisa Reynolds
Representative Ricki Ruiz
Representative Andrea Salinas
Representative Tawna Sanchez
Representative Sheri Schouten
Representative Barbara Smith Warner
Representative Janeen Sollman
Representative Andrea Valderrama
Representative Marty Wilde
Representative Anna Williams
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