Salem, Ore. – Tina Kotek, a Democrat from Portland, has been re-elected as speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.
Kotek received 35 votes on the floor of the House on Monday. Mike McLane, a Republican from Powell Butte, received 25 votes, according to the Associated Press. Democrats have 35 seats in the 60-seat chamber, while Republicans have 25.
Gov. Kate Brown will be also inaugurated. Formerly the secretary of state, she rose to the state’s top office two years ago when Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned amid an influence-peddling probe. Brown won election in November to remain in office for the final two years of Kitzhaber’s term.
When the legislature convenes on Feb. 1, one of it’s main priorities will be to close a $1.7 billion shortfall.
