Governor of Oregon

GovernorsOfficeOregon

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== Governor of Oregon ==

The Governor of Oregon is the head of the executive branch of Oregon's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Oregon Legislative Assembly, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.

History

The office of the Governor of Oregon was established in 1859 when Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. The first governor was John Whiteaker, who served from 1859 to 1862. Since then, the state has had a diverse range of governors from different political backgrounds.

Duties and Powers

The governor's responsibilities include:

• Enforcing state laws
• Approving or vetoing legislation
• Convening the Oregon Legislative Assembly
• Granting pardons and reprieves
• Delivering a "State of the State" address to the Oregon Legislative Assembly
• Preparing the state budget

The governor also has the power to appoint heads of state agencies, members of boards and commissions, and judges to fill vacancies.

Election and Term

Governors of Oregon are elected by popular vote and serve four-year terms. They can be re-elected but are limited to two consecutive terms. After a four-year break, they can run for office again.

Residence

The official residence of the Governor of Oregon is the Mahonia Hall in Salem, Oregon. The residence has been the home of Oregon's governors since 1988.

Line of Succession

In the event that the governor's office becomes vacant, the Secretary of State of Oregon is first in line to succeed, followed by the State Treasurer of Oregon, the President of the Oregon Senate, and the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Notable Governors

• John Kitzhaber - Served three terms and was known for his work on healthcare reform.
• Tom McCall - Known for his environmental policies and the famous "Beach Bill" that guaranteed public access to Oregon's beaches.
• Kate Brown - The first openly bisexual governor in the United States.

See Also

• Oregon Legislative Assembly
• Secretary of State of Oregon
• State Treasurer of Oregon
• President of the Oregon Senate
• Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
• Mahonia Hall