Kate Brown

Gov Kate Brown 2021

Kate Brown cropped

Kate Brown accepts an award

Kate Brown is an American politician and attorney who served as the 38th Governor of Oregon. A member of the Democratic Party, Brown was the first openly bisexual governor in the United States history. Prior to her tenure as governor, she held various key positions in Oregon's state government, including serving as Secretary of State and as a state legislator.

Early Life and Education

Kate Brown was born on June 21, 1960, in Spain, to American parents. She grew up in Minnesota and attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Conservation with a certificate in Women's Studies. Brown later obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

Political Career

Brown's political career began in the Oregon state legislature, where she served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. During her tenure in the state legislature, Brown focused on issues related to children and families, women's health, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Secretary of State

In 2008, Brown was elected Secretary of State of Oregon, a position she held until 2015. As Secretary of State, she was responsible for overseeing elections, auditing public agencies, and promoting small businesses. Brown was known for her efforts to increase transparency in government and for implementing online voter registration in Oregon.

Governor of Oregon

Brown became Governor of Oregon on February 18, 2015, succeeding John Kitzhaber upon his resignation. Her ascent to the governorship was a result of her position as Secretary of State, which is next in the line of succession in Oregon. Brown was subsequently elected to a full term in 2016 and re-elected in 2018.

As governor, Brown focused on a wide range of issues including education reform, environmental protection, and healthcare. She was particularly noted for her advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights and for her efforts to address climate change through legislative and executive actions. Brown's tenure also saw the expansion of Oregon's Medicaid program and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the state's education system.

Personal Life

Kate Brown is openly bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career. She is married to Dan Little and has two stepchildren.

Legacy

Brown's tenure as Governor of Oregon was marked by her commitment to progressive policies, particularly in the areas of environmental protection, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her historic role as the first openly bisexual governor in the United States also stands as a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in political leadership positions.