Kate Brown, Oregon’s 38th Governor, has worked in public service for over 30 years. She has served as an Oregon state representative, senator, Oregon’s first woman senate majority leader, secretary of state, and as governor.

Throughout her career in public service, Governor Brown has fought to make Oregon a more just and equitable place for everyone.

Governor Brown passed the country's first automatic voter registration law, fully funded Oregon’s school system for the first time in 30 years, ensured that more than 95% of Oregonians have health care, and passed a historic transportation infrastructure package. After taking action during the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in one of the lowest case rates in the country, Governor Brown focused recovery efforts on addressing the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on communities of color.

Her time in office is marked by her commitment to racial justice and equity. She made the diversification of the state workforce a priority, including in her own office. In a historic first, Governor Brown appointed 112 judges to Oregon’s trial, appellate, and tax courts during her time in office. Fifty-six were women, 27 were people of color (including the first African American Supreme Court justice), two Native Americans, and eight who openly identify as LGBTQ+. Governor Brown also commuted the sentences of everyone on Oregon’s death row and advanced one of the country’s most progressive clemency and pardon programs. Her leadership has made Oregon safer, stronger, and a more inclusive place to live. 

Governor Brown came to Oregon from her native Minnesota to attend Lewis and Clark’s Northwestern School of Law, where she received her law degree and certificate in environmental law.