Endorsements

Five years ago, Governor Kate Brown appointed me to fill out the remainder of her term as Secretary of State. It was a great privilege for me to serve our state and I am proud of the accomplishments made during my 22 months in office.

Now, entering a new election cycle I am very excited about the opportunity for Democrats to fill this important position once again. AND, for the first time in several election seasons, I have the opportunity to endorse the candidate I feel will best continue the critical effort to broaden the participation of Oregonians in moving our state forward.

I encourage Democratic primary voters to choose Jamie McLeod-Skinner in the May 2020 primary election.

Jamie has the right positions on issues Democrats care about. She has demonstrated her commitment to public service throughout her life and prepared herself for the kind of leadership and management the job of Secretary of state requires. She brings a strong intellect and thoughtfulness to her positions and messages. But for this unique position, she also brings a unique qualification: She is prepared to represent and give voice to all the corners of Oregon.

Democrats have moved Oregon forward on a progressive course for more than a decade. I’m proud of all we’ve done and the contributions made by all of the Democratic candidates who have joined the race for Secretary of State.

But divisions in our state – geographic, urban and rural – continue to challenge our ability to move forward. Some would cast this in partisan terms and argue that we need to gain the ability to work across party lines. I frame the challenge differently. I believe we must bring the core Democratic values shared by residents in all parts of our state to the table in Salem.

We can no longer depend solely on the broadmindedness and good will of NW Oregon-based leaders to pledge outreach to other parts of the state. We need leaders who have been “present” east of the mountains as more than a visitor; who have repeatedly trekked through the breadth of Southern Oregon, our coastal counties, and Central and Northeast Oregon; have lived with and listened to those who live there.

Jamie McLeod-Skinner – product of Southern Oregon schools, resident of Central Oregon, and indefatigable campaigner who awoke thousands of voters in the 2^nd Congressional District to the potential for a Democrat to speak for them – is the one candidate who has also experienced this.

Oregon Democrats want a progressive candidate and one who has experience in governing as a champion for local residents as well as on statewide issues. That’s Jamie.

Oregon Democrats need a candidate who can break from the assumption that experience in the halls of Salem and name recognition in the Portland Metro area are all one needs to become a Democratic statewide officeholder. That candidate is Jamie McLeod-Skinner.

Jamie has the most relevant experience for the Secretary of State position. She has the experience, education, and a familiarity with and understanding of perspectives across the state. Jamie is, by far, the most qualified to be Oregon’s next Secretary of State.

Jamie understands that Oregonians value sustainability that includes an understanding of how people, planet, and profit intersect; Jamie will lead in helping Oregon businesses, both rural and urban, align with our Oregon values.

I am a strong supporter of Jamie McLeod-Skinner for Secretary of State. She has the background in leadership roles, including two terms as a City Councilor. She has a passion for the environment and understand the need for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of government. Jamie brings a diverse background of experiences from all over the world.

While I represent an urban district, I believe we need a Secretary of State who can give voice to all Oregonians and bridge our urban-rural divide. Jamie is a rural Democrat who has the perspective, experience, and passion to forge solutions to our statewide challenges.

Jamie’s extensive knowledge and experience as well as her vision for Oregon make her the best choice to be our next Secretary of State. Instead of making assumptions about youth, Jamie actually asks youth voters what they want from the political process. Instead of speaking for underrepresented groups, she uplifts their voices, opening the process and conversation to everyone.

At a time when our democratic processes are under assault, Jamie’s proven ability to listen and understand the needs of Oregonians across the spectrum—urban and rural, young and old, privileged and marginalized, comfortable and struggling, makes her the clear choice to ensure fairness and integrity of our electoral system in the coming years.

I am truly excited that Jamie McLeod-Skinner is running for Secretary of State and I am proud to endorse her. She has the background and vision we need in Salem.

Jamie’s experience, ability, and efforts in working to connect the urban-rural divide are essential for our state to move forward. It’s time rural Democrats felt themselves supported and represented by their political party. Jamie has shown me firsthand her commitment to supporting Tribes and working lands by spending time in our communities, getting to know us, and taking our priorities to the Capitol.

Josephine County Democrats endorse Jamie McLeod-Skinner as the kind of state-level leader Oregon needs to make sure rural voices are included when decisions that affect us all are made. She has shown us her ability to see all sides of an issue and work tirelessly to find solutions that leave no one out.

The election for Oregon Secretary of State couldn’t be more important. We need to address campaign finance reform and move to people-powered politics. We need transparent, rigorous, non-partisan audits to ensure our tax dollars are spent well. Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s managerial ability, skill in navigating political divides, and dedication to progressive values make her extraordinarily qualified for this role. Electing her Secretary of State would be a great step for Oregon’s future.

Jamie’s background in engineering, regional planning, and natural resource law and her experience as an elected official make her an ideal candidate for Secretary of State. She will address the serious threats to Oregon’s election process, champion campaign finance legislation, and build public trust by extending the audit process to contractors paid with taxpayers’ dollars. With her natural resources background, she will address climate change through sustainable management of state lands. Jamie has demonstrated her ability to listen to all of Oregon’s voters and seek collaborative solutions to our problems.